HYDERABAD: The present Telugu book Kaalamtho Karachaalanam connoting ‘Shakehand with Time’ by Dr.A B K Prasad is a collection of 133 essays, published earlier - i.e., from 06.07.2008 to 14.05.2014 – in a Telugu Daily. Having held key posts in the field of journalism for over five decades, Dr.ABK, Senior Editor, has perfected the structure and style of the Editorial (or column) moulding it into an exemplary essay. The genre of essay is quite popular with the readers for its variety of subjects, facility of expression and extent of coverage. In some context Dr.ABK observed “ Journalists should continuously be in the reading habit as we should mind ourselves every minute that we are students.” With his profound knowledge and versatility, Dr.ABK delineates the essays in this book as repositories of learning. Keeping a sharp focus on the prime topic, he supplements several postulates bearing on it. In the prefatory note he states that the affluent class all over the world exploits the natural resources for self interest, resulting in economic crisis and ecological imbalance. He further hints at the activities of imperialist forces. The issue of division of the unified State also finds a place in the note. These precursory disclosures indicate the general vein of the essays.
The essays are divided into eight chapters namely - Developments in Andhra Pradesh and politics bearing on the division; National issues; Constitution, Laws and C.B.I.; International Affairs; Foreign Policy; Melange; Economic issues and Items on climate and environment. The first chapter tops numerically with 43 essays, covering multiple factors and aspects of the subject.
Dr. ABK pleads the cause of unified State and in support of his contention, he adduces historical background and reasons, quotes statutes puts forth arguments and offers suggestions. Consequent on the formation of Telangana as a separate State on June 2, 2014, these perspectives do serve as a source background. Wherever the context permits, the issue of division of Andhra Pradesh figures even in other chapters. In an essay, the author vehemently opposes the diversion of a part of KG Basin gas reserves to the Reliance group in Gujarat. He comments that political leaders with vested interests are exploiting Article 3 of the Constitution, which inter alia, provides for the formation of new States. Alluding to apex investigating agencies in India, the author exhorts “We need no dictators – We want autonomous agencies accountable only to the Judiciary. “ Dr.ABK opines that the Government of India has not been able to control the Private recruiting agencies that send people to work as labourers or in lower cadre jobs, in Iraq and Afghanistan, which are under the domination of America Dwelling at length on the need of abolition of Death Penalty, the author in an essay, disapproves the stand taken by the Government of India in the U.N.O. on the subject.
“This tantamounts to departure from our Policy of Non-alignment and goes against the spirit created by Nehru”, he remarks.
In an essay, he strongly advocates strict implementation of the Three Language Formula both in Government and Private Schools, and adoption of mother tongue as the medium of instruction.The essays are analytical, critical, comprehensive and forthright, often laced with literary flavour. This is a book for thoughtful readers.
