FROM KHANGI SCHOOL TO CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE-2
BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF MY CAREER
PROFESSIONS, CHECKERED CAREER, AND LESSONS
FROM LIBRARIAN TO CPRO TO CM KCR
VANAM JWALA NARASIMHA RAO
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.
{{From my Forthcoming Book
PROFESSIONS, CHECKERED CAREER, AND LESSONS
(From Librarian to CPRO to CM KCR)
A Journey from Khangi School to Center for
Excellence}}
No comments:
Post a Comment