My Two Weeks as a Published Writer:

April 9 - 23, 2006.

Back in October 2002, I went to India and returned with several uplifting memories. I recorded them in my article, My Two Weeks as a Writer. (December 2002, www.thulika.net). Now, after three and a half years, I went to Andhra Pradesh again and returned with even more heartwarming memories. This time I am a published writer. An anthology of my Telugu short stories, nijaanikee feminijaanikee madhya, 1953-2003, was published by BSR Foundation, Vizianagaram, a nonprofit organization to help the needy children. I must admit the publication has a lot to do with Saipadma, Dr. B.S.R. Murthy's daughter, who became my friend through my website, www.thulika.net.

Here I am, once again sharing my experiences of my latest trip to our homeland with you, readers of Thulika.

I left for India on the 8th of April 2006 without exactly knowing what to expect and not knowing what was in store for me. This trip was originally planned to attend my niece's wedding. In a very long time, I had not attended any family celebration and I thought this might be a good opportunity to renew my family ties. Therefore I was less focused on my literary activities. However I did write to a couple of writer-friends with about my upcoming trip.

My brother, N. S. Rao, has always been my guide, guardian, trip-planner and companion as long as I stayed in India each time. And he did the same this time too.

Before I left for India, I had contacted Dr. A. Manjulata, Vice Chancellor of Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, to discuss about a book on Telugu women writers (nonfiction) I had submitted for their consideration a couple of years ago. I received a quick and encouraging response from her. I felt good about it. And my brother informed me that Dr. Vasa Prabhavati and Dr. K.B. Lakshmi would like to arrange a small get together.

I arrived in Hyderabad on the 8th night. Next morning I rang up Dr. Prabhavati to tell her that I had arrived. She said she had talked to a couple of friends (Dr. Poranki Dakshninamurty, Sulochana Rani, etc.) about a small get together. A couple of hours later, she called and said that a few more persons were interested in the meeting. A little later I tried to call her back but her phone was busy, and it was busy for a good long time. I wondered if she had left it off the hook. In the evening I got another call from Dr. Prabhavati. By now, she had called several writers, most of them senior writers, and they all were excited about the meeting, and the venue had changed to a bigger place, Srikrishnadevaraya Andhrabhasha Nilayam in Sultan Bazaar, a library known for prestigious meetings and celebrations. She then added, "Since your book is published, let's make it 'book release function' too. Wrap a couple of books neatly and we'll have it released."

That was a new experience for me and it was awe-inspiring. I told my brother about the proposal and got wrapping paper and scotch tape. Now we were set for a book release function too!

On Monday the 10th, I met with Vice Chancellor, Dr. Manjulata, Telugu University. She was very kind. We discussed a few details about the book, and promised her support to get my book published by Telugu University. Dr. Manjulata was also interested in arranging a small get together with other translators to exchange our experiences in translations. "Call me after you return from Visakhapatnam," she said. The get together with other translators did not happen I did get chance to attend Ravuri Kanthamma (Bharadwaja's wife) memorial lecture on 22nd at Telugu university. Dr. Sumati Narendra spoke on women's issues in Mahabharata. It was interesting.

On Tuesday, the 11th, the meeting started at about 6:30. The hall was full.

I looked around and noticed some old acquaintences (Yeddanapudi Sulochanarani, Abburi Chayadevi, Nandivada Putalibai, Dr. Chekuri Rama Rao, Unnava Vijayalakshmi, Attilipati Viajayalakshmi, Pothukuchi Sambasiva Rao, Munipalle Raju, Seela Veerraju, Seela Subhadradevi, Mrunalini,Polapragada Rajyalakshmi) and new writers I had not met before (Dr. S.V. Rama Rao, K. Varalakshmi, Dr. Kusuma Rama Rao, K.R.K. Mohan, Nisapathy, Mahe Jabeen, Ratnamala, Naleswaram Sankaram, Nisapathi) and so on. There were also reporters from eTV, Vaarttha, Eenadu, and Andhra Jyothi.

Tamirisa Janaki, Secretary of Lekhini Mahila Chaitanya Sahiti Samskrutika Samstha, welcomed the audience and invited Dr. Prabhavati to preside over the function. Dr. Nayani Krishnakumari, Dr. Poranki Dakshnamurty, Dr. Mudigonda Sivaprasad, Dr. K. B. Lakshmi, and Nidadavolu Malathi were the other special guests invited to the podium.

Dr. Prabhavati thanked the audience for responding to her invitation, mentioned that Dr. Nayani Krishnakumari and Chekuri Rama Rao were her teachers in college. In her speech, Prabahavati mentioned that Anandaramam had asked her if Malathi were a relative of hers and she replied that "Malathi is my relative the same way you are."

I think I know why Anandaramam asked the question. The day before, she called me and asked me if I would translate her recent novel Godadevi. She said, "I am asking only you. I would like you to translate it and get it published in America. Maybe you can contact TANA or ATA or some other literary organization for financial help." I told her that I had approached those organizations in the past and also other Telugu people in America regarding publication of my translations without much success. Only two individuals offered to help which was not enough and so I had to drop the idea." She said, "Oh," and hung up.

Prabhavati continued to explain her reasons for arranging this meeting. She pointed out aptly the challenges one faces in translating stories by several writers, each with his or her own style. That kind of work requires not only the knowledge of two languages, the source language and target language, but also the discipline to interpret the story for the target audience. She added Malathi deserved commendation for undertaking that kind of testing task.

Dr. Poranki Dakshinamurty also commended the translations published on Thulika. In fact, several of the writers whose stories I had translated expressed their appreciation.

Dr. K.B. Laskhmi spoke about the stories in my anthology, nijaanikee feminijaanikee madhya, and some of the views I expressed on current day fiction. One of my concerns, which she mentioned, was and has been the amount of English words in current day fiction.

Then followed speeches by Dr. Nayani Krishnakumari, Dr. Mudigonda Sivaprasad, Dr. Chekuri Rama Rao, Abburi Chayadevi, Dr. Polapragada Rajyalakshmi, and several others. I was overjoyed to hear so many writers refer to my stories published in Telugu swatantra in the early 50s.

Seela Veerraju reiterated his suggestion he had made in 2002, and said that I should make a sincere effort to bring the translations published on Thulika in print. (See my response in my speech).

Dr. Nayani Krishnakumari released my "first ever" book, entitled nijaanikee feminijaanikee madhya, stories written between 1953 and 2003, and published by BSR Foundation.

Then followed felicitations. Vasa Prabhavati on behalf of Lekhini, M. L. Narasimha Rao on behalf of Srikrishnadevaraya Andhrabhasha Nilayam, and Saratjyothsna Rani on behalf of Jyothsna Kalapeetham, presented Malathi with shawls and momentoes.

And then followed one more memento from Achanta Nagabhushana Rao, a member of local Lions Club.

I felt crushed under the weight of all the honors. Do I really deserve this? - a question kept ringing in my head. It was 103 F. outside. I slowly removed all the shawls and garlands, put them on a chair, picked up the mike and looked around. Then came my speech, which was very different from what I had planned.

At the end, Mahe Jabeen asked if I could talk about the diaspora literature, especially south India diaspora literature. Unfortunately, I'd never become part of mainstream America nor of the Telugu associations in America. To me it looks like this diaspora thing is current generation, youth-oriented thing and I am not into it. Mahe Jabeen smiled and said that's fine, still would like to be in touch.

After K.B. Lakshmi proposed vote of thanks, I got to chat with eTV people, Abburi Chayadevi, Sulochana Rani, Changanti Krishnakumari (Tulasi's sister), Kusuma Rama Rao and a several other writers. Kusuma Rama Rao wrote a poem extempore and read it to me, a blessing. In all, it was an overwhelming experience for me. Later I heard that the news item on eTV went very well.

V. Udayalakshmi, reporter from Prajasakti, said she would not have known about this meeting if Prabhabati had not informed her. In fact, several others in the audience said the same thing; they all came to know about the meeting because Prabhavati informed them.

The following day, I saw the media coverage in Vaarttha, Eenadu and Andhrajyothi. The coverage in Vaarttha was impressive. Later in the week, Udayalaxmi, Prajasakti, met with me. She listened, made notes meticulously, and repeated in her own words whenever I was not clear in my expression. Her interview, published in Prajaskati, April 22, 2006, was one of the best interviews I had come across. (You can see it on www.snehabharati.com soon.)

On April 14, I left for Visakhapatnam and on 17th I went to Vizianagaram to meet with my publisher, Saipadma Murthy, and her family. I told her not to arrange any meeting unless her book of poems in English was also ready for release at the same meeting. And I was under the impression that her book was ready for release. That did not happen and that threw me off.

The book release and felicitation at Gajapatinagaram was arranged by BSR Foundation and Chaitanya Bharati. The president of Chaitanya Bharati invited the guests and speakers, Malathi and N.S. Rao, and requested Saipadma to introduce the chief guest. Saipadma gave a brief introduction and spoke about a couple of stories from the book. Dr. Murthy spoke about the activities of Chaitanya Bharati and BSR Foundation, and said a few kind words about the book and presented the author with a shawl and a memento.

Then, the president asked my brother, N.S. Rao to speak. That was a surprise to me and later I learned that it was a surprise to him as well. Nevertheless, he delivered his speech well. He spoke about my childhood, how I started to publish and about the literary heritage in our family. My two elder brothers did write one or two stories in their teen years. And Sri Nidadavolu Venkata Rao, a highly esteemed scholar and researcher, was related to us; he and my father were first cousins.

Then came my speech. Unlike in Hyderabad where I knew some of the audience and where I was sure of their expectations, the audience in Gajapatinagaram were new to me. I was not sure what to say at the meeting. So when the time came to speak, I went blank. I thanked Saipadma Murthy, who had done completed the project despite huge odds, and her generous parents, Dr. Murthy and Dr. Seshu. Beyond that there was not much to say. I presented Saipadma with the shawl I had brought with me and praised her for completing the publication despite numerous odds she had to face. In itself, it was an accomplishment.

Once again, newspapers, Eenadu, Vaartha and other local newspapers gave an excellent coverage of the meeting.

Originally, I was told that a book of English poems by Saipadma Murthy would also be released on the same day. Much to my disappointment that did not happen.

I returned to Hyderabad on the 20th. I went to visit with Prabhavati and her daughter, Dr. Meenakshi, professor of Sanskrit. While I was there, Seela Veerraju called and invited me to his book release function to be held on the following Saturday in the city library.

My brother and I went to the function. It was a very hot day and the fans whirling in full swing were not much of a help.

The meeting started around 7:00. Veerraju welcomed the audience, promised to keep it simple. He said he had been working on the book, batukubaata, for several years, tried to make it a kind of lyrical prose, and distributed complimentary copies to the friends who had encouraged him, and then read a few passages from the book.

He dedicated the book to his daughter and granddaughter. Unfortunately, the room was too hot, making it almost impossible to focus on the reading. Some of us wished water bottles were served in stead of hot tea.

To me, it was one more opportunity to meet writers like Mudiganti Sujatha Reddy, Gorusu Jagadiswara Reddy, and Devaraju Maharaju for the first time, and also to revisit with familiar faces like Bhargavi Rao and Munipalle Raju.

In all, it was an exhilariting experience to spend some time amidst so many writers. I wish I had time to speak with each one of them individually and exchange views.

☼ ☼ ☼

About the organizations which participated in the felicitations:

Lekhini, Mahila Chaitanya Sahitya Samskrutika Samstha, was started a year ago. Dr. Prabhavati, who is a driving force behind several literary activities in Hyderabad, is the president of the organization and Tamirisa Janaki is the secretary. Dr. Prabhavati said that they intend to hold 10 meetings a year. In the past, they had honored Mandapati Satyam, USA, and Saradapurna Sonty, USA.

On May 3rd, Lekhini celebrated its first anniversary at which time they P. Sabita Indra Reddy, Mines and Geology minister.

After the April 11th meeting, I am convinced that the organization is on the right track and heading to accomplish bigger things. For the first time I understood the kind of force in that little figure of Prabhavati and her enthusiasm to serve the cause of Telugu literature.

Srikrishnadevaraya Andhrabhashaa Nilayam: A 105-year old library, founded by Komarraju Lakshmana Rao, Nayani Venkata Ranga Rao and Ravichettu Ranga Rao, holds over 40,000 books, and is known for hosting meetings addressed by persona of high esteem in literature, politics and society. Mr. Madiraju Lakshmi Narasimha Rao, (known as ML among his friends) has been the secretary of the library for nearly 30 years. I was told that he made it his life's mission to keep it going, and that he is working hard to raise funds to renovate the building, which is badly needed.

Jyothsnaa Kalaa peetham: Started by Dr. Saratjyothsna Rani ten years ago is committed to promoting cultural and literary activities. The organization instituted jandhyaala puraskaaram, and sugunamani award. The organization honors a writer of high esteem on ugaadi day (Telugu New year's Day) each year, and makes a cash award of Rs. 5000 to a reputable comedian.

BSR Foundation, Viziangaram: Dr. B.S.R. Murthy and his wife, Dr. B. A. Seshu are involved in a number of charitable activities for several decades.

The B.S.R Foundation is a branch of Lions Family Welfare Planning Trust, which is devoted to helping the poor in Srikakulam rural area. To learn more about the Foundation, contact saipadma@gmail.com.

Chaitanya Bharati, a literary trust, has published 16 books so far. The anthology, nijaanikee feminijaanikee madhya by Nidadavolu Malathi, is the first joint publication of BSR Foundation and Chaitanya Bharati. Their second project, an anthology of poems in English by Saipadma Murthy is scheduled to be released soon.

Publications and translations:

I met Vice Chancellor, Dr. Avula Manjulata, on 10th and explained my two projects to her. My nonfiction book, Quiet and Quiant: Telugu Women's Writing, 1950-1975, was originally intended to be my doctoral dessertation. In the early eighties, I went to India, met with several writers, publishers and magazine editors and gathered data. However, I had to drop it for personal reasons. A few years back, I decided to revive it and drafted a proposal for its publication.

Dr. Manjulata listened to my story and said that she was aware that Dr. Subrahmanyam, her immediate predecessor in the VC's chair, had undertaken the project and that the book would be published by the university. Later I met with Dr. C. Mrunalini, who wrote preface to my book.

Hopefully the book will be out this year.

The second book, an anthology of my translations, From My Front Porch, an Anthology of Telugu stories in English was submitted to Central Sahitya Academi at the suggestion of some of the writers, whose stories I had translated and who had been appreciative of my translations. The anthology included 18 stories published on Thulika. I showed her a copy of the book and she said she would like to keep it. I left the VC's office with a good feeling.

While I was visiting with Vasa Prabhavati on 20th, I called Mr. Agraharam Krishnamurthy, Regional Secretary, Central Sahitya Academi, to find out the status. Mr. Krishnamurthy also was very kind and informed me that the Academi had decided to publish the book, My Front Porch: An Anthology of Telugu stories in English. The dinner at Prabhavati's home on that day turned into a celebration. I called a couple of friends who were supportive of the book from the start and shared the good news.

Also, I heard from the editor of Jaico Publishing House that the anthology of my translations, A Spectrum of My People, will be released in a month or so. This anthology also contained eighteen stories (other than the stories in From My Front Porch) published on Thulika.

A Personal journey:

Palm fruit, fresh green mangoes and coconut chutney in Gajapatinagaram, music of Saipadma and Sankara Rao, henna designs on my hand drawn by Padma's sister, the casual atmosphere in Padma's home, and her computer, a hearty and genuine Telugu food served in traditional style by Nayani Krishnakumari, and Prabhavati's daughter Meenakshi--they all reminded me of the old times, of a culture that is on the verge of disappearing.

Dr. J. Meenakshi is a professor of Sanskrit. I asked her what does she teach. She said she teaches the Intermediate class. "You know the text books," she said.

Yes, I knew. I told her I also studied Sanskrit in my Intermediate class. Then I told her a story.

I said, "A reviewer commenting on my anthology, nijaanikee feminijaanikee madhya, said that this writer (Malathi) has a strong foundation in Sanskrit and Telugu classics."

Meenakshi laughed. She saw my point. The truth is I have quoted phrases and sentences from Telugu and Sanskrit texts in my stories. Not that I was trying to pass myself as a scholar. I was simply using the phrases I had picked up from listening (srutha pandityam) to others or from the stories I happened to read. The reviewer's comment seemed to show how easy it is for one to pass as a scholar in today's world. We both had a hearty laugh.

I met Dr. G. V. Subrahmanyam for the first time in Chicago in 2004 at the eighth ATA Conference. In the past year or so, Dr. Subrahmanyam was not well and resting at home. I called first, talked to his daughter-in-law and then went to their house for a brief visit. He was weak but recognized me right away. I spent a few minutes with him and left quickly. The visit with Dr. Subrahmanyam and his family was gratifying.

I was surprised as Dr. Manjulata remembered their (she and her parents) visit to Madison. In fact, there were a few other writers (Nayani Krishnakumari, Chekuri Rama Rao, Anandaramam) who also came to Madison and they all reminisced about their visits. I did not meet Sulochana Rani when she came to the States but we had nice chats over the phone. I got to meet her in person only during this trip. I spoke to Ranganayakamma over the phone. She, like Seela Veerraju, suggested that I should find a publisher and publish all my translations.

The other memorable moments were attending my niece's traditionally arranged (I mean literally) wedding which defied caste barriers and dowry systerm, learning about the beliefs of lingadhaaris at the wedding, shopping with my younger brother's wife's brother's daughter, Kavita, and more shopping and a vacation-like evening with K.B. Lakshmi and the laser show at Lumbini park -- they all were poignant parts of a package bigger than I had bargained for. That's telugubhoomi (my home land). Amidst all this is my second (older) brother's continued support in ways more than any sister could hope for.

Saipadma knew that I had no big clout in America yet she took it upon herself to publish my book. She put her money where her mouth is literally. Vasa Prabhavati knew there was not much I can do for her, yet she put herself to task because she believed in doing something concrete in the field of literature. Both Saipadma and Prabhavati put their faith in Thulika, I believe.

Uppalapati Lakshmi Prasanthi, a young progressive writer, has been in touch with me for over two years. I sent her an email asking her if we could meet. Prasanthi came to my neices' place along with a friend Sowmya to see me. She brought a huge duffle bag. I asked her partly in jest if she always carried such a big bag. She said they both went to a slum area with used clothes to distribute. I was happy to see that young people in Andhra Pradesh are working to make a difference. I was happy that she made time to meet with me.

As I was writing this report, I wondered if mine would be considered a success story, maybe not in dollars and cents but in a way that makes sense for some of us at least.

I was still brooding over when the phone rang. "Aren't you teaching Telugu this summer? Are you interested in teaching in the academic year also? The position is open. ..."

Maybe, it is a success story still in the making. Maybe I still have long ways to go ...

(Malathi Nidadavlu. May 2006)