On the first death anniversary of Turaga Janaki Rani, better known as ‘Radio Akkayya’, daughter Usha Turaga Revalli presents a personal profile..

In early 1940s, when Mahatma Gandhi came visiting a coastal town in Andhra Pradesh and walked amidst thronging crowds, a six-year-old girl in the mass of people freed her hand from her mother’s grip and ducked under the barricades to reach the Mahatma. And held up her gold ring to him saying, ‘for Kasturba Fund’. Gandhiji’s attention was captured and he smilingly picked it from her palm with his little finger, patting her on the head. The family was alarmed then but gradually came to realise that fearlessness was the leitmotif of the little girl’s personality.

That girl was my mother, Janaki Rani Turaga, who went on to define a space for herself in the realms of literature, media and social work, becoming one of the most renowned multi-faceted personalities that this State has seen in the last seven decades. An award-winning, much-published writer, renowned broadcaster, communication expert, dancer, choreographer, columnist, musician and social worker, many were the hats she wore but each vocation was marked with equal panache and professional commitment. The spirit that she had displayed in childhood was what saved her from caving in when life struck cruel blows. Widowed at 37, with the love of her life, my father, dying in an accident and with two toddlers to tend, her world collapsed around her but she picked up each piece with grit and determination and moulded her entire life into a meaningful journey. And the independent streak in her became a force that fuelled her journey along uncharted paths.

She was a fighter to the core, an officer and a mother. Disarmingly straightforward, high on principles and low on prejudice, a graceful persona who did everything with flair, warmth and unconditional love – that was Janaki Rani.

And, at the risk of being presumptuous, I have come to appreciate that as a mother, she was quite unique. Her parenting was with deep involvement but never too overbearing. Despite hectic professional work, the way she mothered us prompted legendary composer Palagummi Vishwanatham to write his famous Amma donga song. “It is this pitchi talli (devoted mother) that inspired me to write the song,” he said of my mother.

Exactly one year back, she suddenly left. A woman who wasted not a moment of her living years, left in just a moment’s time. Someone who saw hope and potential in life whatever the challenges, thankfully never knew she was going.

Today, after one year without her, we look back at life with her, with greater clarity and a sense of deep gratitude. The way she has been a mother till her very last moment; a friend, a mentor, a philosopher by example; she set aside her own grief and has been a pillar of support while we weathered our own storms. In many ways, it appears to us today that she stands in human narratives as a woman who extraordinarily managed to bridge diverse worlds, from tradition to trendiness, from adversity to success, from an inspiring professional portfolio to intense personal affections towards every single human being that she came across, leaving scores of people behind who think of her with so much fondness.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review> History & Culture / by Usha Turaga Revalli / October 15th, 2015

Telugu comedian Kallu Chidambaram died at a private hospital in Visakhapatnam on Monday. The 70-year-old actor was reportedly suffering from age-related illness.

Reports suggest that Kallu Chidambaram was admitted to the Care Hospital a few months ago. He was being treated for breathing problems and was on a ventilator for over two months. He breathed his last, while undergoing treatment at the private hospital.

“He was undergoing treatment for some old age related ailments at Care Hospital, where he passed away this morning,” a source told IANS.

Born in Akkayapalem on 10 October, 1945, Kallu Chidambaram began working at Visakhapatnam port. Later, he became a stage artist and used to organise stage shows. He debuted in films with 1988 Telugu film “Kallu”. He won the Nandi Award for his wonderful performance in the film.

Kolluru Chidambaram was his original name, but his screen name was changed to Kallu Chidambaram following the success of “Kallu”.

He acted in about 300 films in his career spanning two and half decades. He was last seen in the movie “Sri Sai Sankalpam” in 2013. “Chanti”, “Govinda Govinda”, “Ammoru” and “Pelli Pandiri” are some of his popular films.

Directors such as EVV Satyanarayana, SV Krishna Reddy and Relangi Narasimha Rao considered him as the first choice for exclusive comic roles in their films. In 1995, Telugu socio fantasy film named “Ammoru” directed by Kodi Ramakrishna bought Kallu Chidambaram good fame for his critically acclaimed performance in the movie.

His sudden death has saddened many in the Telugu film industry, who are yet to recover from the shock over the demise of Mada Venkateswara Rao, who passed away last Wednesday. Some stars and fans took to their Twitter pages to share their shock.

source: http://www.ibtimes.com / International Business Times / Home> News> Entertainment> Tollywood / by Shekhar H Hooli / October 19th, 2015

Vijayawada  :

Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu unveiled a bronze statue of late literary and Dalit icon Gurram Jashuva at Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram, here, on Monday. Later, Chandrababu participated in an event held at the convention centre, where he gave away Jashuva Memorial Awards.

At the event, Naidu lauded the services of Jashuva. The CM said that the poet was still remembered, which spoke volumes about his impact. “We will set up a chair named after Jashuva in Telugu University. We are also mulling ways to honour the poet in the upcoming capital region,” he added.

Dr Yendluri Sudhakar, K Sanjeeva Rao alias Sikhamani and S Sarajjyotsna Rani won the Jashuva Memorial Awards for their work in literature. As part of the award, they were also handed a prize money of Rs 10,000 each.

The CM said Jashuva would be remembered forever for his works done for the betterment of the backward classes. Naidu further said that students from backward classes are unpolished diamonds. “The results from the social welfare residential schools are inspiring. It gives us hope that children from backward classes can also compete with the children from corporate schools,” he said.

The CM predicted that in the future there would be just two classes – rich and poor. He promised that he and his government would do everything to alleviate poverty. “Apart from creating wealth, my focus is on making it reach the poor and backward classes. We are committed to improving living conditions and bringing an equilibrium in the economic status of all sections,” he stated.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Vijayawada / TNN / September 29th, 2015