Golden Milestone in the Journey of Telugu Literature — ‘Sreevani’ is a pioneer in carrying moral values, Indian cultural traditions and the glory of Telugu language to future generations: Odisha Governor Dr. Kambhampati Haribabu*

 Vijayawada, August 8: Odisha Governor Dr. Kambhampati Haribabu said that ‘Sreevani’ monthly magazine has emerged as a pioneer in carrying moral values, Indian cultural traditions and the glory of the Telugu language to future generations.

He was the Chief Guest and addressed the gathering at the grand celebrations held on Saturday at Thummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram, Vijayawada, marking the release of the 500th edition of ‘Sreevani’ monthly magazine and the launch of the book ‘Merunagari Himagiri Komaragiri’. The programme was presided over by Sri Komaragiri Shyam Prasad, Editor-in-Chief of ‘Sreevani’ monthly magazine.

Emphasising the message that “Times may change… but values should not change,” Sri Kambhampati Haribabu appreciated Sri Komaragiri Chandrasekhar and Sri Komaragiri Shyam Prasad, sons of the founder-president of ‘Sreevani’, Late Sri Komaragiri Krishnamohan Rao, for effectively carrying forward the ideals with which the magazine was launched, with the noble objective of serving society and taking Indian values to every household.

He said that continuing ‘Sreevani’ uninterruptedly for 500 months without missing a single month, overcoming numerous challenges, was no ordinary achievement, and appreciated the dedication, perseverance and efforts of the members of the Komaragiri family.

The distinguished guest at the programme, Sri R.J. Ratnakar, Managing Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, said that ‘Sreevani’ was making a commendable contribution in taking the message of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba widely among the people, with the same values and spiritual message and with ideals similar to those of ‘Sanathana Sarathi’, which was launched by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

He said that the dedication shown by the members of the Komaragiri family in spreading ‘Sreevani’ in all directions, despite facing several financial, family and other difficulties, while considering the support and blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba as a divine blessing, was exemplary.

Describing ‘Sreevani’ as a “lamp of love”, he said that it was dispelling the darkness of ignorance and lighting the lamps of knowledge while carrying the messages of peace, spirituality and love to future generations. Sri RJ Rathnakar said that by reading a good magazine stress and anxiety will reduce significantly.

Sri Ratnakar expressed the hope that, as a result of this work being carried out as an offering to God, the celebrations of the 1,000th edition of ‘Sreevani’ would also be held in the same grand manner, and prayed that the blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba would be abundant, plentiful and ever-flowing.

Former Chief Justice of India and former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice N.V. Ramana, said that the sacrifices made by Late Sri Komaragiri Krishnamohan Rao for the protection of democracy, prevention of anti-people policies and welfare of society, and his commitment to the principles he believed in, would remain an inspiration for future generations.

Justice N.V. Ramana recalled that Krishnamohan Rao had actively participated in RSS and Jana Sangh programmes, worked against anti-people policies and strongly advocated education in Telugu, the mother tongue. He also recalled that Krishnamohan Rao played a key role in establishing Balaji Vidyalayam at Machilipatnam with lofty ideals.

Sri Kollu Ravindra, Minister for Mines, Geology and Excise, Government of Andhra Pradesh, said that it was a matter of pride that ‘Sreevani’ had reached the historic milestone of 500 editions from Machilipatnam while continuing to reflect cultural, spiritual and literary values even in the present competitive world.

He appreciated the service and philanthropic activities of Sri Komaragiri Chandrasekhar, the management of Balaji Vidyalayam, for adopting poor students and providing them with quality education, in response to the call given by Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu.

Sri Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni), Member of Parliament, Vijayawada, said that value-based magazines like ‘Sreevani’, which serve as a guide to society, create awareness among people and transform lives, are extremely necessary in the present internet age.

He appreciated and recalled the service activities undertaken by Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, under the guidance of Sri R.J. Ratnakar, for more than 6,000 people when Vijayawada was affected by severe floods two years ago, saying that their services could never be forgotten.

He said that it was the responsibility of every member of society to nurture and encourage such good magazines and stated that he would also bring the importance of ‘Sreevani’ to the attention of the Government.

Prominent spiritual scholar Sri Mallapragada Srimannarayana Murthy described ‘Sreevani’ as “the heartbeat of Bharat.” He said that every letter in the magazine was like a mantra and appealed to everyone to savour its contents, imbibe its message and make an effort to put its values into practice.

Sri Konakalla Narayana, Chairman, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, recalled his family’s close association with the Komaragiri family from the days of the Jai Andhra movement to the present.

He said that he considered it his good fortune to participate in the release ceremony of the 500th edition of ‘Sreevani’. He recalled the memorable episodes of Krishnamohan Rao participating in the Andhra movement along with his father Ganapathi, and said that even during his 19-month stay in Rajahmundry Central Jail, he remained warm, affectionate and spiritual in his approach.

He appreciated the efforts of Sri Shyam Prasad and Sri Chandrasekhar in carrying forward the ideals of Krishnamohan Rao, with courage and perseverance as their strengths.

Sri P.V.N. Madhav, President, Andhra Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party, said that the special edition on freedom fighters would shine as a lamp of knowledge that would teach patriotism to future generations.

He said that the names of patriots being preserved in their respective families reflected the patriotism and spirit of national service of their fathers, and that those values could never be forgotten.

Sri Maa Sharma, Founder of Koppavaram Kala Peetham and senior journalist, appealed to everyone to encourage ‘Sreevani’, which was founded with lofty ideals, and extend their support to its literary and cultural journey.

Grand Release of the Publications

On the occasion, the 500th edition of ‘Sreevani’ was released by Justice N.V. Ramana, former Chief Justice of India and former Judge of the Supreme Court of India.

The book ‘Merunagari Himagiri Komaragiri’ was released by Odisha Governor Sri Kambhampati Haribabu, while the ‘Sreevani Pancha Shata Sanchika Geethamalika’ CD was released by Sri P.V.N. Madhav, President, Andhra Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party.

Prior to the programme, a video showcasing the literary journey of ‘Sreevani’, as well as a short film depicting the life and successful journey of Late Sri Komaragiri Krishnamohan Rao, received an overwhelming response from the audience.

A photo exhibition titled ‘Merunagari Himagiri Komaragiri’, featuring news reports and photographs published in various newspapers and reflecting the life journey of Krishnamohan Rao, also attracted considerable attention from the visitors.

On the occasion, the authors of ‘Sreevani’ were felicitated with mementoes and presented with ‘Sreevani’ literature in recognition of their contribution.

Sri Raghupatruni Lakshmana Rao, President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Andhra Pradesh; Sri Ch. Surendra, Vice-President; writers; District presidents, office-bearers of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations; members of the Komaragiri family; friends; well-wishers and others participated in the programme