FROM KHANGI SCHOOL TO CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE-3
FIRST JOB AS GRADUATE LIBRARIAN
PROFESSIONS, CHECKERED CAREER, AND
LESSONS
FROM LIBRARIAN TO CPRO TO CM KCR
VANAM JWALA NARASIMHA RAO
(March 18, 2026)
The manner in which I obtained my
first job and subsequent transfer as well as the progression of my early career
thereafter, left a deep and lasting impression on me. It shaped my understanding of human values in
public life and helped define the direction of my professional journey. A few
days before the birth of my first daughter (who today is a popular journalist
running the independent YouTube channel ‘Prema The Journalist’), the results of
my MA (Public Administration) examination were announced. I had passed, though
narrowly, securing a third class and just missing a second division.
At that stage of life, I was uncertain
about my future, whether to involve myself in village politics or to seek
steady employment and build a career. On the third day after my wife delivered
our daughter in Warangal, I set out from Khammam to see the newborn. That bus
journey, ordinary in appearance, turned out to be a major turning point in my
life and career. I happened to meet the then District Educational Officer of
Khammam, Mrs Shahjahana Begum.
While travelling in a government-run
Road Transport Corporation bus, I noticed a middle-aged woman standing and
holding the rod belt. Unaware of who she was, I immediately offered her my
seat. She accepted politely, thanking me, and we began a casual conversation.
As we spoke, I shared details about myself, my educational background, my
recent postgraduate results, my unemployment, and the purpose of my journey to
Warangal.
At my request, she introduced herself
as Mrs Shahjahana Begum, the District Educational Officer (DEO) of Khammam. I
was genuinely surprised. I complimented her on travelling by public transport
despite her senior position, especially when an official vehicle was available
to her. Her simplicity, humility, and integrity left a powerful impression on
me. She was travelling incognito, like any ordinary citizen, carrying her
authority with quiet dignity. That moment taught me a profound lesson in public
life, one that stayed with me long after.
Upon learning about my situation, she
asked me to meet her after my return from Warangal and assured me that she
would try to help me find temporary employment. True to her word, the first
task I undertook after returning was to meet her in her office. Mrs Shahjahana
Begum offered me instead of temporary post, a permanent job as a Graduate
Librarian, with my initial posting at Government Junior College, Yellandu,
about 30 kilometers from Khammam. She also assured me that a transfer to
Khammam would be arranged within a few months. The process was facilitated
smoothly with the support of the DEO Office Superintendent Sampath Rao, and
Office Assistant Baru Sitaram Rao.
Thus began my professional life. I
joined Government Junior College, Yellandu, on First August 1971, drawing a
salary of exactly ₹270 per month. I developed a close friendship with the
Principal, Krishna Murthy, and we often travelled together between Khammam and
Yellandu on his motorcycle.
Those early months introduced me to
the basic alphabets of work culture, discipline, cooperation, respect for
institutions, and learning through shared experience. After about four or five
months, an opportunity arose for a mutual transfer. Adiraju Subba Rao, who was
working as Librarian at Shanti Nagar Multipurpose High School-cum-Junior
College in Khammam, agreed to exchange postings. Accordingly, during the first
week of January 1972, I joined at Shanti Nagar.
Shanti Nagar Multipurpose High School
had a rich and notable history dating back to the time of the Nizam.
Originally, it functioned as a ‘Madrasa’: a traditional Islamic educational
institution. The term ‘Madrasa’ comes from the Arabic root ‘D-R-S,’ meaning ‘to
study.’ In the Nizam’s dominion, such institutions were important centers of
learning, encompassing both religious and general education. Over time, the
institution evolved to meet changing educational needs while retaining its
historical significance, eventually transforming into a junior college.
I was fortunate to work under a
succession of dedicated and inspiring headmasters and teachers, including HV
Sharma, TV Rajaiah, OV Chalapathi Rao, Durga Maheshwar Rao, Venkata Rao, Jakka
Satyam, and several others. Their company was both enjoyable and enriching, and
it contributed significantly to my learning and professional growth. The
library at Shanti Nagar was quite old and housed books from an earlier era,
many of which were likely rare and valuable. At that time, I was not yet
formally qualified as a librarian. Nevertheless, using my own knowledge, common
sense, and judgment, I organized the collection in a manner that made access
easier for students and staff.
Much of this period coincided with the
‘Jai Andhra’ movement. Educational institutions, including ours, were
frequently closed. Student attendance was minimal, and teachers often left soon
after arriving. Many days passed quietly, with informal discussions among
colleagues before returning home. Even in that unusual atmosphere, I continued
to learn about institutional life and human relationships.
Throughout this phase, Mrs Shahjahana
Begum remained a guiding influence. She advised me to become a qualified
librarian, and to enroll as an in-service candidate for the Bachelor of Library
Science (BLibSc) course at Osmania University. She personally took me to the
then Joint Director of Education IV Chalapathi Rao, a Great English Literary
Person, introduced me to him, and requested permission for my admission during
the 1972–1973 academic year.
Though her request was not accepted at
that time, the effort itself reflected her genuine concern for my growth. The
following year, Mrs Shahjahana Begum was succeeded by Mrs Srikantam as DEO. She
too forwarded my application with support. This time, it was considered
favorably. Despite certain challenges, I secured admission and joined the
BLibSc course around July–August 1973.
Looking back, I remain deeply indebted
to Mrs Shahjahana Begum, my first role model in public service. Her humility,
integrity, and willingness to help a young, uncertain graduate altered the
course of my life. My time at the Government Junior College in Yellandu and
Khammam Shanti Nagar High School taught me the very alphabets of work culture,
learning from colleagues, respecting institutional systems, and growing through
shared experience. Those formative years laid the foundation of my professional
values and continue to serve as a source of strength and encouragement, both in
times of distress and in moments of triumph. As Librarian I learnt to shape
myself as a Journalist and Public Relations Professional.
{{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}}
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