An encyclopaedia of physics in Telugu

Murali Narayana has already compiled and published all the topics that start with the first five alphabets by detailing them in well-accepted terms and words in Telugu

Dulla Murali Narayana of Machilipatnam in Krishna district attempts to bring out encyclopaedia of Physics in Telugu language. For Vijayawada. Photo: T. Appala Naidu

Murali Narayana Dulla, an octogenarian, has embarked on a huge task of bring out an encyclopaedia of physics in the Telugu language to help students and scholars to break the language barrier to explore the depth of the subject.

The Benarus Hindu University’s alumni has already compiled and published all the topics that start with the first five alphabets by detailing them in a well accepted terms and words in Telugu. The amateur lexicographer, Mr. Narayana started the academic exercise in 2011. “I have decided not to compromise with the standard that should be useful for the advanced learners, research scholars and the teaching fraternity,” he said.

Mr. Narayana is the founder of Optical Engineering Laboratory (OEL), Machilipatnam.

Established in 1954, the OEL was closed in 2012, for want of technicians and committed learners to run it. “Given my age and health status, I am publishing the encyclopaedia in a book-series for each of the alphabet in which respective technical terms are given with a detailed scientific explanation,” added Mr. Narayana who manufactured crystal optic products for Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman in 1960s. The branches of physics which were covered till date in the project include general physics, electronics, optical electronics, robotics and microcontrollers.

“Apart from direct experience earned in my laboratory, developing academic research projects by various scholars of the renowned Indian universities has helped me gain authentic knowledge in physics and the courage to write the encyclopaedia,” Mr. Narayana, a professional Carnatic vocalist, told The Hindu .

Illustrious list of clients

Many India’s renowned institutes such as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Indian Institute of Technology-Mumbai, Kharagpore used to procure products from the OEL, Machilipatnam, for their research work. “The galaxy of institutes used to prefer our products such as Nicol prism, Wollaston prism, quarter-half-wave plate and many products listed in the OEL’s catalogue,” said Mr. Narayana, who founded two Industrial Training Institutes here.