THE MISSION OF
Mr. RAMAKOTISWARA RAU
Kalaprapurna
VISWANADHA SATYANARAYANA
Since the hoary dawn of civilization in this ancient land, from the snowy peaks of Himalayas to the foamy waves of the Indian ocean, there was a cultural unity–religion, literature and social life interwoven. These three were separate in the Western life. The West invaded the East. And the segregation crept into the internal fabric of our culture. These three things began to flow in three different streams. Culture was understood otherwise. Rather it was deemed to be something to do with literature and art only.
This culture was sought for during the last days of the British Rule. This the country lacked, it seemed and many attempts were made to revive it or to retrieve it.
Five decades back, every month, the Modern Review was sought for; every issue heralding a new poem from the pen of Rabindranath and a scholarly article on the phase of some cultural life from an erudite pen. Mr. K. Ramakotiswara Rau has done yeomen’s service for nearly foure decades in this field, particularly in the south. He is a man of sterling character and high principles. He was a welcome guest in many a house where culture ruled and literature prevailed.
The modern state is like a hailstorm ravaging the desert and the burgeoning gardens alike. The word culture has almost become a meaningless term. Yet Mr. Ramakotiswara Rau with his unabated zeal carried on his mission.
He faced many difficulties and crossed many impediments. And his untiring soul never knew rest. Many zealous votaries of culture lent their helping hand, at different periods, to the continuance of this great semblance of the cultural activity. The halcyon days were gone. And Triveni, as the modern state advanced, found itself in an uncared for and unsolicited predicament. It experienced very bad days. But it never lacked a helping hand.
Mr.
Bhavaraju Narasimha Rao, to
whom it may be said that Triveni is bequeathed, has taken it up. And Mr.
Ramakotiswara Rau found a permanent solace in him. Mr. Ramakotiswara Rau lived
for Triveni and died for Triveni.
The unity of culture, that is sought for by the modern state was long before conceived and worked for by the great soul of Mr. Ramakotiswara Rau. He spent his all for Triveni. The country owes much to the late Mr. Ramakotiswara Rau. May his soul travel through higher and higher states of life.
HIREN MUKHERJEE, M. P.,
CULCUTTA
Sri Ramakotiswara Rau belonged to the now nearly-vanished tribe of journalists with a mission. His life of singular and unostentatious dedication should be for our people a cherished memory.
May Triveni uphold his serene ideals!