Kasinadhuni Nageswara Rao
Encyclopedia
Kasinadhuni Nageswararao (Telugu: కాశీనాథుని నాగేశ్వరరావు), better known as Nageswara rao pantulu was rare combination of a journalist
, nationalist, politician
, a staunch supporter of Khaddar
movement and an enthusiastic pioneer in library movement in Andhra. His participation in Indian independence movement
and in Indian National Congress
Party was historical. He was one of the Andhra veterans who took part in Mahatma Gandhi
’s Civil Disobedience movement through salt satyagraha
.
It is no wonder that his life-long exertions in such diverse fields in the service of the nation has earned him the honorific prefix Desoddharaka (uplifter of the masses), conferred on him by the people of Andhra Pradesh
as a mark of their great respect and appreciation of his services to Andhra and to India
and the special title of Kalaprapoorna (doctor of Literature) which was conferred on him by the Andhra University
in 1935.
of Andhra to a Brahmin couple Bucchaiah and Shyamalamba. He received his early education in his native place and later at Machilipatnam
. He graduated from Madras Christian College
in 1891. There he was under the stewardship of that great educationist, Dr. Rev. Miller, whose ability, high standards and rigid discipline made it a premier institution of the South. Kandukuri Veeresalingam
’s articles in vivekavardhini Journal influenced him.
could aptly be compared to Pulitzer
's into the Fourth Estate
on the other side of the Atlantic. It was a time when journalism, in this country was undergoing a silent transformation and the then Government did not look upon the 'Native Press' with any sympathy. It needed a competent and fearless man to not only mirror the heritage of the nation but also interpret the day-to-day political trends.
Sri Nageswara Rao took up the challenge when he launched the 'Andhra Patrika', a weekly from the metropolis of Bombay in September, 1908.His publication thrilled the Andhras; while his forewords reflected scholarship and keen insight into and appreciation of public affairs.In 1914 when the First World War broke out, it was clear that the clamor for political emancipation was gathering momentum. Sri Nageswara Rao wanted to interpret the trends of the time in their own language to the Andhras so that they may have an opportunity of playing their role in moulding India's future. With this aim in view, he started a Telugu daily, Andhra Patrika, the first copy of which rolled out of the press on April 1, 1914 from Madras. It was the undaunted ability of Nageswara Rao who kept up the tempo and made the paper an institution of repute, to this day Andhra Patrika is a force to reckon with in the land of the Krishna
. A decade later in January, 1924, he launched a Telugu journal Bharati' which has been rendering signal service to the literary and cultural advancement of the Andhras.
, associated with them and worked for the welfare of Telugu people. He attended the National Congress meeting in Surat
in 1907 and joined the freedom movement. He recognized the need for a Telugu language
journal to campaign effectively for the freedom struggle and founded a weekly Andhra Patrika in 1909 in Mumbai
. Within a short time andhra patrika gained popularity among Telugus. In 1914, he moved the journal from Mumbai
to Chennai
and introduced it as a daily newspaper.Later, in 1969,Andhra Patrika established its own office in New Delhi with senior Telugu Journalist from Chennai T.V.Krishna
taking the lead to set up an office there.
from the Madras Presidency
. He published several articles on the need for a separate Andhra state
. He was the author of many of these articles. In recognition of his untiring efforts for the all-round development of Andhra nation, Andhra language, and Andhra culture, Andhra people have honored him with title, desoddhaaraka (savior of the nation).
of repute with a razor sharp intellect and a publisher.In 1926 he launched a publishing house known as the Andhra Grandha Mala. This institution published as many as 20 books besides reproducing many Telugu classics as well as modern writings. With a view to placing the fountain-head of knowledge within easy reach of the common man, he priced his publications very low. Sri Nageswara Rao can be regarded as the father of the library movement in Andhra.
Because of his exertions during the first two decades of the century, as many as 120 libraries came into being in Andhra districts.
The salt satyagraha
of the 'thirties under the banner of Gandhiji was yet another memorable phase of our freedom struggle. It not only galvanized the whole nation to action but also in the main consolidated the Mahatma's magic hold on the masses to an extent never known before.Among the leaders in the forefront in Andhra who translated Gandhiji's programme and brought the epic salt satyagraha campaign to a signal success, Sri Nageswara Rao was among the foremost.During his lifetime, Sri Nageswara Rao was held in great esteem by the people of Andhra.The spontaneity with which honours crowded round his name, was an indication of the people's respect and regard and love for him.
and India
.
. When he was in jail, he wrote an exposition on the sacred text of Indians, Bhagavad-Gita. He explained that Bhagavad-Gita did not belong to a particular religion, but belonged to the entire humanity as a scripture of yoga
for the spiritual enlightenment and prosperity of the entire world.
honored him with a title, viswadaata (universal donor).
, literature and science was quite evident in his untiring efforts in publishing journals such as bharati and andhra patrika, publications like andhra grandhamala (garland of Andhra books), and special editions for ugaadi (Telugu New Year). Through andhra grandhamala, he introduced various texts on language, literature and science and was instrumental in spreading science and literature. He published various ancient texts like basava puranamu, panditaradhya charita, jeerna vijayanagara charitra, tanjavoorandhra rayakula charitra, and modern texts like malapalli, mahatma gandhi atmakatha, etc. He wrote several essays on various topics and introductions and prefaces to various books. He also published Komarraju Lakshmana Rao's three volumes of andhra vignana sarvasvamu in 1938, while Tamils have more than 30 volumes of Tamil vignana sarvswam and Marathis have finished 21 volumes of maharashtra vignana sarvaswam.
Journalist
A journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
, nationalist, politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
, a staunch supporter of Khaddar
Khadi
The term khādī or khaddar means cotton. khādī is Indian handspun and hand-woven cloth. The raw materials may be cotton, silk, or wool, which are spun into threads on a spinning wheel called a charkha. It is a versatile fabric, cool in the summer and warm in the winter...
movement and an enthusiastic pioneer in library movement in Andhra. His participation in Indian independence movement
Indian independence movement
The term Indian independence movement encompasses a wide area of political organisations, philosophies, and movements which had the common aim of ending first British East India Company rule, and then British imperial authority, in parts of South Asia...
and in Indian National Congress
Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Bharatiya Janata Party. It is the largest and one of the oldest democratic political parties in the world. The party's modern liberal platform is largely considered center-left in the Indian...
Party was historical. He was one of the Andhra veterans who took part in Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi , pronounced . 2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948) was the pre-eminent political and ideological leader of India during the Indian independence movement...
’s Civil Disobedience movement through salt satyagraha
Satyagraha
Satyagraha , loosely translated as "insistence on truth satya agraha soul force" or "truth force" is a particular philosophy and practice within the broader overall category generally known as nonviolent resistance or civil resistance. The term "satyagraha" was conceived and developed by Mahatma...
.
It is no wonder that his life-long exertions in such diverse fields in the service of the nation has earned him the honorific prefix Desoddharaka (uplifter of the masses), conferred on him by the people of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
as a mark of their great respect and appreciation of his services to Andhra and to India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and the special title of Kalaprapoorna (doctor of Literature) which was conferred on him by the Andhra University
Andhra University
Andhra University or Andhra Viswa Kala Parishad , located in Visakhapatnam, north east coastal Andhra Pradesh, is one of the older premier universities in India with a broad focus...
in 1935.
Birth and Education
Nageswararao Kasinadhuni, popularly known as Nageswararao Pantulu, was born on May 1, 1867 in Elakurru village, pamarru mandal in Krishna districtKrishna district
Krishna District is a district of India's Andhra Pradesh state. It is named after the Krishna River, the third longest river that flows within India, flows through the district and joins Bay of Bengal here in this district. It has a population of 4,529,009 of which 32.08% is urban as of...
of Andhra to a Brahmin couple Bucchaiah and Shyamalamba. He received his early education in his native place and later at Machilipatnam
Machilipatnam
Machilipatnam is a city and a special grade municipality in the Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located south east of state capital, Hyderabad.-History:...
. He graduated from Madras Christian College
Madras Christian College
The Madras Christian College, commonly known as MCC, is a liberal arts and sciences college in Madras , India. Founded in 1837, MCC is one of Asia's oldest extant colleges. Currently, the college is affiliated to the University of Madras, but functions as an autonomous institution from its campus...
in 1891. There he was under the stewardship of that great educationist, Dr. Rev. Miller, whose ability, high standards and rigid discipline made it a premier institution of the South. Kandukuri Veeresalingam
Kandukuri Veeresalingam
Rao Bahadur Kandukuri Veeresalingam , also known as Kandukuri Veeresalingham Pantulu , was a social reformer of Andhra Pradesh. He was born in an orthodox Niyogi Telugu Brahmin family...
’s articles in vivekavardhini Journal influenced him.
Business
After a brief stint in business in Madras, he went to Calcutta to work in an apothecary for some time. Later, he went to Bombay to work in an office. But, he couldn’t stick around there. He was interested in starting his own business. He founded Amrutanjan Limited in 1893 and invented Amrutanjan pain balm. Within a short time Amrutanjan pain balm became very popular medicine for all pains, colds, sprains, lumbago etc. and made him a millionaire. Today, Amrutanjan Limited has established R & D, fine chemicals division, and infotech divisions.Entry into journalism
Sri Nageswara Rao's entry into the challenging field of journalismJournalism
Journalism is the practice of investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends to a broad audience in a timely fashion. Though there are many variations of journalism, the ideal is to inform the intended audience. Along with covering organizations and institutions such as government and...
could aptly be compared to Pulitzer
Pulitzer
Pulitzer may refer to:* Pulitzer Prize, an annual U.S. journalism, literary, and music award* Pulitzer, Inc., a U.S. newspaper chain* Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, a non-profit organization for journalists- People :...
's into the Fourth Estate
Fourth Estate
The concept of the Fourth Estate is a societal or political force or institution whose influence is not consistently or officially recognized. The Fourth Estate now most commonly refers to the news media; especially print journalism, referred to hereon as "The Press"...
on the other side of the Atlantic. It was a time when journalism, in this country was undergoing a silent transformation and the then Government did not look upon the 'Native Press' with any sympathy. It needed a competent and fearless man to not only mirror the heritage of the nation but also interpret the day-to-day political trends.
Sri Nageswara Rao took up the challenge when he launched the 'Andhra Patrika', a weekly from the metropolis of Bombay in September, 1908.His publication thrilled the Andhras; while his forewords reflected scholarship and keen insight into and appreciation of public affairs.In 1914 when the First World War broke out, it was clear that the clamor for political emancipation was gathering momentum. Sri Nageswara Rao wanted to interpret the trends of the time in their own language to the Andhras so that they may have an opportunity of playing their role in moulding India's future. With this aim in view, he started a Telugu daily, Andhra Patrika, the first copy of which rolled out of the press on April 1, 1914 from Madras. It was the undaunted ability of Nageswara Rao who kept up the tempo and made the paper an institution of repute, to this day Andhra Patrika is a force to reckon with in the land of the Krishna
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
. A decade later in January, 1924, he launched a Telugu journal Bharati' which has been rendering signal service to the literary and cultural advancement of the Andhras.
Andhra Patrika
He approached Telugu people in MumbaiMumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
, associated with them and worked for the welfare of Telugu people. He attended the National Congress meeting in Surat
Surat
Surat , also known as Suryapur, is the commercial capital city of the Indian state of Gujarat. Surat is India's Eighth most populous city and Ninth-most populous urban agglomeration. It is also administrative capital of Surat district and one of the fastest growing cities in India. The city proper...
in 1907 and joined the freedom movement. He recognized the need for a Telugu language
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
journal to campaign effectively for the freedom struggle and founded a weekly Andhra Patrika in 1909 in Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
. Within a short time andhra patrika gained popularity among Telugus. In 1914, he moved the journal from Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
to Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
and introduced it as a daily newspaper.Later, in 1969,Andhra Patrika established its own office in New Delhi with senior Telugu Journalist from Chennai T.V.Krishna
T.V.Krishna
T. V. Krishna better known as TVK , was a journalist from Andhra Pradesh.He was born on July 1, 1919 in Govada, Tenali taluka, and brought up in Chinnapulivarru in the same taluka in Andhra Pradesh, India. He gave up Government service and joined the Communist Party of India...
taking the lead to set up an office there.
Desoddhaaraka
He was one of the founders of Andhra movement for a separate Andhra stateAndhra State
Andhra State was a state in India created on October 1, 1953 from the Telugu-speaking northern districts of Madras Presidency. On November 1, 1956 it was merged with the Telangana region of Hyderabad State to form the united Telugu-speaking state of Andhra Pradesh.- Madras Manade movement :In 1953,...
from the Madras Presidency
Madras Presidency
The Madras Presidency , officially the Presidency of Fort St. George and also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision of British India...
. He published several articles on the need for a separate Andhra state
Andhra State
Andhra State was a state in India created on October 1, 1953 from the Telugu-speaking northern districts of Madras Presidency. On November 1, 1956 it was merged with the Telangana region of Hyderabad State to form the united Telugu-speaking state of Andhra Pradesh.- Madras Manade movement :In 1953,...
. He was the author of many of these articles. In recognition of his untiring efforts for the all-round development of Andhra nation, Andhra language, and Andhra culture, Andhra people have honored him with title, desoddhaaraka (savior of the nation).
Andhra Grantha Mala
Besides being a journalist, Sri Nageshwara Rao was also a Telugu literatureTelugu literature
The Telugu literature or Telugu Sahityam is one of the most precious possessions of the literary products of India. Telugu literature is rich reserve of poems, stories, dramas and puranas. It flowered in the early 16th century under the Vijayanagar empire, of which Telugu was one of the court...
of repute with a razor sharp intellect and a publisher.In 1926 he launched a publishing house known as the Andhra Grandha Mala. This institution published as many as 20 books besides reproducing many Telugu classics as well as modern writings. With a view to placing the fountain-head of knowledge within easy reach of the common man, he priced his publications very low. Sri Nageswara Rao can be regarded as the father of the library movement in Andhra.
Because of his exertions during the first two decades of the century, as many as 120 libraries came into being in Andhra districts.
Life as a Politician
Perhaps the politician in Sri Nageswara Rao will be remembered longer than the journalist in him.A stalwart congressman of the day and a great contemporary of T. Prakasam, Sri Nageswara Rao had the privilege of becoming the President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee for four terms during the year 1924 to 1934.As a part of the constructive programmes chalked out by Gandhiji, the Khaddar programme was already making much headway in Andhra.Sri Nageswara Rao imparted the necessary impetus and drive to the khaddar popularisation work.The salt satyagraha
Salt Satyagraha
The Salt March, also known as the Salt Satyagrahah began with the Dandi March on March 12, 1930, and was an important part of the Indian independence movement. It was a campaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly in colonial India, and triggered the wider...
of the 'thirties under the banner of Gandhiji was yet another memorable phase of our freedom struggle. It not only galvanized the whole nation to action but also in the main consolidated the Mahatma's magic hold on the masses to an extent never known before.Among the leaders in the forefront in Andhra who translated Gandhiji's programme and brought the epic salt satyagraha campaign to a signal success, Sri Nageswara Rao was among the foremost.During his lifetime, Sri Nageswara Rao was held in great esteem by the people of Andhra.The spontaneity with which honours crowded round his name, was an indication of the people's respect and regard and love for him.
Honorification
In bringing out a commemorative stamp in honour of this valiant freedom fighter and patriot the P & T Department pays its respects to memory of this great son of Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
and India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.
Views On Bhagavadgita
He was jailed in 1931 for six months for participating in salt satyagrahaSalt Satyagraha
The Salt March, also known as the Salt Satyagrahah began with the Dandi March on March 12, 1930, and was an important part of the Indian independence movement. It was a campaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly in colonial India, and triggered the wider...
. When he was in jail, he wrote an exposition on the sacred text of Indians, Bhagavad-Gita. He explained that Bhagavad-Gita did not belong to a particular religion, but belonged to the entire humanity as a scripture of yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
for the spiritual enlightenment and prosperity of the entire world.
Viswadaata
Wherever he was, Nageswararao’s house was full of guests. Poets, writers, politicians, social workers, relatives and friends used to visit him. He used to donate funds and help various causes and the needy. Nobody ever left his home empty handed. Amazed by his generosity, Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi , pronounced . 2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948) was the pre-eminent political and ideological leader of India during the Indian independence movement...
honored him with a title, viswadaata (universal donor).
Contributions to Telugu
His interest in Telugu languageTelugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
, literature and science was quite evident in his untiring efforts in publishing journals such as bharati and andhra patrika, publications like andhra grandhamala (garland of Andhra books), and special editions for ugaadi (Telugu New Year). Through andhra grandhamala, he introduced various texts on language, literature and science and was instrumental in spreading science and literature. He published various ancient texts like basava puranamu, panditaradhya charita, jeerna vijayanagara charitra, tanjavoorandhra rayakula charitra, and modern texts like malapalli, mahatma gandhi atmakatha, etc. He wrote several essays on various topics and introductions and prefaces to various books. He also published Komarraju Lakshmana Rao's three volumes of andhra vignana sarvasvamu in 1938, while Tamils have more than 30 volumes of Tamil vignana sarvswam and Marathis have finished 21 volumes of maharashtra vignana sarvaswam.