Machilipatnam-based Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University Professor K.S. Krishna Prasad has unearthed a rare photo album of ‘Bhumi Puja of Prakasam Barrage Project’. The album was found from the personal archives of his grandfather Kattoji Satyachari, an Executive Engineer served in the Prakasam Barrage works.
“We were told that my grandfather had an opportunity to perform Bhumi Puja of the Prakasam Barrage works on March 1, 1954. It was believed that then Chief Minister Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, who was scheduled to perform puja was then absent on the site”, Mr. Krishna Prasad claimed. “Mr. Satyachari was one of the senior officials present on the site on the auspicious time fixed to perform Bhumi Puja,” he added displaying the photo album.
Among the 12 yellowed photos by time, a photograph in which Mr. Satyachari was seen performing Bhumi Puja along with a priest is a rare photo own by the professor’s family till date. Mr. Satyachari had served as an Executive Engineer in the Prakasam Barrage works between June 18, 1953 and January 10, 1955, according to incumbency chart displayed at Krishna River Conservator’s office, Vijayawada. According to the family members of the engineer, he also worked in Dowleswaram Project as an Engineer.
Speaking to The Hindu , officials, including Krishna River Conservator, Prakasam Barrage Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent Engineer of Irrigation Department, have confirmed that they do not have the collection of photos of ‘Bhumi Puja of Prakasam Barrage’ with them. However, office of the Prakasam Barrage Superintendent has a few pictures of barrage construction works. “We are willing to share the album with the government officials concerned for preservation and to collect more information about the historical event. We are proud to own the memorabilia of my grandfather,” said Mr. Krishna Prasad.
