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

 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.