HYDERABAD : The present book is a collection of column articles – 226 (1998-2004) and 22 (2010) – published in the Telugu weekly ‘Prajatantra’. The author, Devulapalli Amar is a gifted senior journalist, who entered his chosen field of journalism in 1976 and has since completed 40 years, working in different newspapers. He started writing the column captioned ‘Dateline Hyderabad’ in 1991; 2016 is its silver jubilee year. This volume is brought to mark the significant event. ‘Dateline Hyderabad’ underscores the popular motto ‘News is sacred, Comment is free’. Imbibing the true spirit of journalistic traditions and ethical norms, Amar’s column is imbued with impartiality, transparency, steadfastness, precision and frankness.
The volume covers the incidents and developments mainly during the period 1998-2004. The author states: “I believe it prompts the readers to go through it, inasmuch as it provides an analysis of the events’. The author first cites a statement or event which forms the core of the column. Then follows a brief exposition of the statement, and his keen analyses and comments on it. The last one is a concrete suggestion or proposition warranting careful cogitation. All the political parties and major occurrences are dealt with in the column.
The articles extensively refer to N.Chandrababu Naidu, who was the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh during most part of the period. As president of APCC, Dr.Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy’s name appears while discussing the performance of the Congress Party. The author rightly elucidates the pivotal role of K.Chandrasekhara Rao in forming the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and monitoring the movement for the creation of the Telangana State. Other political leaders and prominent personalities also find a place, as and when the context necessitates. Numerous topics are discussed in the book. The key areas include governance of A.P., politics, Telangana issue, elections, the Press, Police mechanism, education, Naxalism, violence, Jails, legislation, civil rights etc.
A few articles are culled at random to illustrate the general tone and tenor of the column. Adverting to the cabinet reshuffle in undivided A.P., Amar dwells at length on the style of functioning of Chandrababu Naidu as C.M. and observes: ‘It is the prerogative of the CM. to do it and at the same time there is nothing wrong in talking about its repercussions’. The situation prevailing in Government schools is the subject of a column. Referring to the proposal of a Third Front to be headed by Chandrababu Naidu, the author opines that the Telugu Desam Party appears to be leaning towards the BJP. Welcoming the news that K.Chandrasekhara Rao will resign his Deputy Speakership to launch a movement for a separate Telangana state, the author observes: ‘All people will commend it and it needs a prolonged struggle.’ On the success of K.Chandrasekhara Rao of TRS winning a vast majority from Siddipet (2001) in the Elections to AP State Assembly the ‘future is bright for Telangana’, states the author.
The language is racy, idiomatic and highly readable. Readers interested in the analysis of the political spectrum must read the book.
Dateline with Hyderabad
By Devulapalli Amar
Pages 768, Price Rs.500
For copies: All leading book shops
