PROFESSIONS, CHECKERED CAREER, AND LESSONS-ONE
(From Librarian to CPRO to CM KCR)
A Journey from Khangi School to
Center for Excellence
Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
{Prefatory Note
These reflections arise from close
observation and lived experience during a defining phase in the history of
Telangana. They are offered with deep respect for Kalvakuntla Chandrashekhar
Rao—a leader of rare intellectual depth, political courage, and unwavering
commitment to the idea of Telangana. What follows is not merely recollection,
but an attempt to record how vision, resolve, and governance converged to shape
a people’s destiny.
While this narrative draws upon a
professional journey that spans eleven organizations and multiple institutional
settings, it consciously begins with the final and most consequential phase of
that journey. A brief reference to my academic formation is included at the
outset only to provide essential context, before the account moves directly
into the concluding chapter of my professional life.}
MY ACADEMIC CAREER
I am now 78 years old and volunteered
to be the ‘Secretary, Center for Brahmin Excellence (CBE),’ an institution that
was born out of a deep understanding of the need to preserve, nurture, and
contemporize a community by sustaining and strengthening its vast intellectual
capital. This role, at this stage of my life, is not merely an assignment but a
continuation of a lifelong engagement with learning, people, and purpose.
I was born on August 8, 1948, in a
remote village Vanam Vari Krishnapuram, located in Mudigonda Mandal of Khammam
District in present-day Telangana. Having born and brought up there, I spent my
early childhood in an orthodox family, and received early education in the same
village surrounded by Communist Party dominated villages. Thus, I imbibed a mix
of ‘Socialist and Spiritual Ideologies’ and learnt lessons in ‘Humanism.’
My early life was shaped by simplicity, limited resources, and the quiet
strength of rural values, which later became an enduring foundation for my
personal and professional journey.
Since my late school days itself, and
especially, after completion of bachelor degree studies, as I spent three years
in my village engaging in Agriculture, Village Development, and Field Level
Politics, I was ‘in quest of meaningful and acceptable Governance’
having witnessed the plight and exploitation of rural illiterate by Village
Land Lords. Inadvertently, in my journey I had come across several Political
Administrators, Public and Civil Servants, that included Legislators,
Ministers, Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries etc. in
some of whom I found few answers.
The Best ‘Thrilling and Cherishing
Learning Experience of my Life’ was, my generation’s Pre-Primary, Primary,
Higher Secondary School and College Education six-seven decades ago. I received
my primary education in my native village. In Fact, inspiration for my writing
this series came from my Grandchildren, in the hope that one day they evince
keen interest, read them, and in the process, may be benefited to decide on
what is worth emulating from the past. My Basic Education commenced in 1951,
when I was three-year-old, in a ‘Khangi’ school, the ‘present day
preschool’ kind of setup, though the teaching methodology and content
differed a lot.
A characteristic style of discipline
was inculcated to kids at that formative stage which seems to be absent these
days. Memorizing and writing Telugu Alphabets, Numerals, Basic Mathematics like
Addition, Subtraction, Tables, Multiplication, Days in a week, Months in Lunar
Calendar Year, names of 60 Lunar Calendar Years, Star Signs, Seasons etc. were
taught by an elderly knowledgeable person in the village, on his own volition,
and not really for money. ‘Pedda Bala Shiksha’ considered as ‘Children
Encyclopedia’ in the Telugu language, that covered literature, arts,
culture, morals, games, mythology, and science was the source for the content.
Next year by advancing my date of
birth by one year to be eligible for admission in First Class, I was put in the
Local Single Teacher Government Primary School which was located in a Hut till
it was moved to new (Small) buildings. That single Teacher whom I can never
forget taught us to think everything with ‘Common Sense’ first. After
fifth class, for sixth to eleventh class or Higher Secondary Class (HSC), my
parents admitted me in Rickab-Bazar High School in Khammam Town.
Thus, for my High School Studies and
later for Pre-University Course, I moved to Khammam, which marked my first step
away from the comfort of familiar surroundings and into a wider world of
aspiration and challenge. Subsequently, I pursued my undergraduate studies
(First year in SR and BGNR Government College, Khammam and last two years in
New Science College, Hyderabad) at Osmania University, earning a BSc degree
with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry as my subjects.
Being a student in the Higher
Secondary School, was a ‘Lifelong Experience’ and every teacher taught
to cherish forever. The standards were so high then, that, securing second and
first-class marks was considered to be very difficult. Nevertheless, in HSC
examination I passed in Higher Second Class. It was an ‘All-Round
Development’ or developing us in multiple aspects, like physical,
intellectual, emotional, and social. This type of all-round development was
aimed at helping students become well-rounded and able to function effectively
in all aspects of their life. Grateful to my School and to every Teacher by
name.
I was a School First student in my
Higher Secondary Certificate in 1962, but ended up with third class and
compartmental in PUC and BSc respectively. Even in my Nagpur University PG (MA
Public Administration), I could secure only third class. I was never a ‘Brilliant
Student.’ However, I secured University Second Rank in my Bachelor of
Library and Information Science in 1974. I will brief them later.
Unlike present day 10+2 Schooling and
College it was 11+1 Schooling and College then. It was one year Pre-University
Course (PUC) in place of present two-year Intermediate. After HSC with Telugu
Medium of Instruction, I enrolled in PUC with Mathematics, Physics and
Chemistry as optional subjects, English, Telugu as languages and ‘General
Studies’ as special subject in SR and BGNR Government College in Khammam,
affiliated to Osmania University, with English as Medium of Instruction. SR and
BGNR College, was the first college that was established in Khammam initially
as a private college in 1956.
Switching from Telugu to English
Medium was slightly difficult, but quickly I adjusted. The methodology of
teaching too was unique. Telugu, English, General Knowledge were taught to all
the optional groups’ (MPC, BPC, Commerce, Economics and Geography) students in
combined sessions. Physics and Chemistry subjects were taught commonly for MPC
and BPC students. Mathematics was taught for only MPC students. Poetry, Prose,
and Grammar (Conjugation of Verb etc.) were taught in English subject. Teaching
staff consisted of Lecturers, Tutors, and Demonstrators.
Having secured only third division in
PUC, and ineligible to get seat in Engineering Course, I took admission in the
‘Three Year Degree Bachelor of Science (BSc) Course’ with Mathematics,
Physics and Chemistry as optional subjects; English, Telugu as languages; and
General Studies, a ‘Broad-Based Approach’ subject that covered the whole
gamut of science and humanities in brief. ‘First Year was Rest year’ as
no University Examinations were held at the end of first year to go to second
year. First one year of my degree study was in Khammam College and last two
years in Hyderabad, New Science College.
It was only after completion of second
year University Examination was conducted in languages and General Studies, and
at the end of final year for the optional subjects. For languages there were
four papers two for each subject, and for optional subjects ten papers, three
for each subject, and four in Physics, the extra being Modern Physics, to be
cleared in one go. No holiday in between two examinations except for Sunday.
We had to memorize three years study
for the final examination and two years study for Languages, and General
Studies. Semester System and rest days between paper and paper, making it easy
to remember was unknown to us. High Reputation New Science College under the
leadership of C Sudarshan an eminent academician as the founder Principal, as
well as SR and BGNR College, had the best teaching staff.
I secured second division in Languages
and General Studies and appeared for final year examinations during April-May
1966, when my actual age was just seventeen and half years, but
half-way-through withdrew. As I was propelled and engaged in village politics,
I did not appear for the Supplementary exams also, and it was only in March
1968 I was able to clear Mathematics and Physics and later Chemistry in
September. A compartmental graduate I am!!! My academic journey continued with
a postgraduate degree in Public Administration from Nagpur University.
On completion of my Graduation in
September 1968, married in April 1969, spent about three years in rural
environment, among ‘Communist Friends-Relatives’ from neighboring villages, and
engaged primarily in agriculture, as well as ‘Local Politics marred by
Insinuations, Threats, and Casteism’ my interest turned towards studies
once again, desiring to complete Post Graduation (PG). By then I was also vexed
with village politics, that often took the form of murders, police camps in the
villages, police harassment of innocent opposition cadre, hooliganism etc.
I applied for MSc (Mathematics) in
Nagpur University and obtained the seat. With the intimation that classes
commenced, I went to Nagpur, and on the very first day of attending the MSc
Mathematics Class, as I listened to the lectures, I was completely lost, since
I could not understand a single bit of what was explained. The Mathematics I
studied in my BSc in Osmania University in Hyderabad, three years before, had
no connection whatsoever, with the MSc Mathematics in Nagpur University. I
quickly realized that I do not suit to the course.
By taking help from a Telugu friend
and fellow student, I went to the nearby ‘University Library Building’
in North Ambazari Road, met Head of Public Administration Department Professor
VS Murthy (a Telugu Person) and secured seat in the MA (Public Administration)
course. Thus, I changed over from ‘Science to the Humanities’ a completely new
experience, which I admired lifelong.
During my two years of studies in
Nagpur, I hardly stayed there, but whenever I was in Nagpur, I spent most of my
time in the library, generally reading Karl Marx’s books or books related to
communism. I came to know about ‘Encyclopedia Britannica’ in that Library only.
Our professors included illustrious and remarkable professors, VS Murthy, NGS
Kini, Deshpande, Dave, and Kulkarni. Kini taught Political Sociology, Murthy
taught Public Administration, and Deshpande taught Local Self-Government.
Compared to the large batch of first
year, in the second year we were just 14, and were socializing outside the
classroom more frequently. Discussions on contemporary politics, often bit
seriously was the interesting part of my Nagpur Studies. The venue, when I was
in Nagpur, invariably was my room, where, even the other classmates, including
Girls unhesitatingly, were visiting. The star attraction was always Arun
Upadhyaya, who was a highly influenced person then and continues to be now,
with his attractive Red Colored ‘Triumph’ Car with a white top, and
double carburetors.
‘MA Public Administration’
provided me an intense and profound insight in to value system, imperatives,
implications, and essentiality to ensure quality life to an ordinary person and
affluent alike. That was how the fundamental principles of Public
Administration were precisely, concisely, and comprehensively taught to us, by
Professor VS Murthy who hailed from erstwhile Andhra Pradesh State. He had a
unique style of his own in teaching his subject. None of us ever missed his
classes, because of the enormous interest he created with his typical way of
imparting knowledge, dovetailing syllabus part appropriately with current
affairs, by contextualizing.
Professor VS Murthy always discussed
contemporary politics, social developments, and many other interesting topics.
He had an unwavering admiration for Indira Gandhi, while NGS Kini had intense
animosity toward her. Both of them would passionately discuss contemporary
politics in class. The conceptual framework of ‘In quest of meaningful and
acceptable Governance’ time and again has been lingering in my mind, as a
disciple student of Professor Murthy. In
fact, he was utmost happy, even happier than me, when I was drafted to work
with Governor Kumud Ben Joshi and with Chief Minister Dr M Channa Reddy.
In addition to Professor VS Murthy,
another distinguished and illustrious Teacher, Professor NGS Kini, who taught
us Political Sociology enthused me a lot. Though both possessed conflicting
ideologies (Views), they were very affectionate to me and always liked my
interest of ‘Quest for knowledge of Administration.’ While, Professor
Kini, always seriously decried my interest in Marxism, Professor Murthy,
encouraged my responses on Indira Gandhi’s style of functioning. Those were the
days when she was fighting the political battle with powerful Syndicate Group
in Congress Party during VV Giri Election as President.
When I was leaving the Nagpur
University after my studies, Professor Kini called me to his house and
affectionately counseled me that, if I continue with the Marxism Path, one day
I would be ‘in streets’ with none to support, and guided me to
disconnect with it. I followed his advice in ‘Letter and Spirit’ all
along my life. On the other hand, Professor Murthy gave me a Great ‘Testimonial’
incorporating an ideal and thought-provoking phrase, that, ‘Task
Accomplishment and Target Fulfillment is more important to Jwala, than
conforming to Rules and Regulations.’ Since that time, I have always been
honestly self-assessing whether I could rise to his expectations.
Always I endeavored to be involved in
the ‘Decision Making Process’ irrespective of my level in the hierarchy
wherever I worked: Qualified Librarian in a School, Project (Administrative)
Officer Chetana headed by Governor, PRO to Chief Minister Dr M Chenna Reddy,
Senior Manager of Handicrafts Development Corporation, Faculty and Additional
Director Dr MCR HRD Institute, Regional Director of Centre for Media Studies,
Lead Partner and Advisor 108 Emergency Response Services, Consultant Health
Management Institute, finally as Chief Public Relations Officer to first
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao.
I sincerely believed that,
prioritizing ‘Task Accomplishment and Target Fulfillment’ would lead to
more ‘Efficient and Effective outcomes’ and minimal bureaucratic red
tape. I also believed that, it encouraged innovative solutions and flexibility,
allowing administrators to adapt to changing circumstances and find the best
methods to achieve goals. As part of ‘Goal-Oriented Approach’ my focus
in the ‘Decision Making Process’ was to ensure public resources were
used to achieve tangible benefits for society, if necessary, through shortcuts,
subject to accepted policies and procedures. ‘Public Interest’ was of
more concern to me, whether I actively participated or participated passively
in the decision-making process.
I never hesitated to dissent either
openly or subtly to the ‘Ultimate Decision Maker Boss.’ I have been
consciously aware that, ‘Task Accomplishment and Target Fulfillment’
though crucial, balancing this with adherence to rules and regulations for
legality, procedures, and public trust is also correspondingly important. A
balanced approach ensures that goals are met without compromising the
foundational principles of governance. The whole idea is, Public Administration
and Governance presupposes, come what may, that, ‘Task Accomplishment and
Target Fulfillment’ needs to be pursued vigorously, though with a balanced
approach.
When I was in Nagpur my complete focus
was on studies, and spending time in Library for subject reference material.
Village politics from which by then, I did not detach completely, due to few
compulsions, time and again propelled me to visit Khammam and my village. Heart
of Hearts, I was in a dispute of choosing between politics and job as of
then. But something best was stored for me and hence preferred the latter. The
PG Examinations were completed in March 1971. Confident that I would pass, I
left Nagpur until the results were announced, when I had been there to collect
necessary original certificates deposited in the University Department of
Public Administration.
During my first job as Librarian, I
got admission in Bachelor of Library Science in Osmania University, to acquire
professional qualification, during 1973-74. Though I was a student at Osmania
University earlier too, I was not actually studied on campus. I pursued my
degree at New Science College. Studying on the university campus itself was a
unique thrill, and being at the Arts College building was an even greater one.
After a couple of days of classes at the Arts College, we were shifted to the
University Library building.
Followed by a Bachelor of Library
Science (BLibSc) degree from Osmania University. Each stage of education added
not only formal qualifications but also clarity of thought, discipline, and an
appreciation for structured learning. My career and professional life began
even before I did my B Lib Sc, as a ‘Graduate Librarian’ between 1971 and 1974,
serving at the Government Junior College, Yellandu, and later at Khammam Shanti
Nagar High School.
