Grandfather V N Krishna Rao

Retrospection: While we are immersed in wonderful feeling and exuberance after hearing about the Ceremony at Tanuku when our beloved Grandfather’s bust was dedicated at the School premises, attended by VNR and VND representing VNK’s Family, some thoughts came to my mind and I want to share them with all. These are from my memory from childhood, heard from Narayanna, Perianna and my father about the way our elders used to live and set examples by their action (Samskarams). `VNK, right from his early days, wanted to devote his time to Teaching. He did his Masters (in 1895 or so) so that he is fully equipped for the profession of his choice. (Commitment). He is an embodiment of affection towards his brothers and their welfare. Out of his monthly earnings of Rs, 30/- per month in Tanuku, he used to send Rs. 22/- to his younger brother’s (V N Kuppu Rao)

Madras Law college studies/boarding etc(Compassion). He was managing his family with additional earnings from tuitions. During coronation of King George V, celebration at school was done by Grandfather at a sanctioned budget of Rs 12/- (1911A.D.). { Commitment to the Throne (Ruler)}. Grandfather’s donation of 10.5 acres were not known or mentioned by anyone until I came to know from a former student of Tanuku in a chance meeting in a wedding in year 2006. When I enquired about this land donation, even Sadasivanna was not aware of this. Sadasivanna mentioned that there was one Neelakantan working as a clerk in the High School who use to visit Egmore House in 40s. If we trace his family, maybe we can get more insight of VNK. Strict Disciplinarian-e.g. Some students, who disliked his strict actions, decided to attack him while on his way back from School and were hiding in trees to hurt him. As he was approaching, overwhelmed by his personality, out of moral fear and respect, the students knelt down and sought mercy from him. (as told by Late Thimma Raju, a friend of Grandfather in Tanuku). How much VNK is remembered and respected in Tanuku even now can be seen by these incidents involving me: During one official meeting during early 70s, when I met Sri Harischandra Prasad who was then Chariman of APIDC, he narrated his days as a student of our Grandfather. About 4/5 years back, in Chennai, when I attended my niece’s marriage, I had a chance meeting with one journalist from Tanuku. He was a student of the High School from Tanuku. He then mentioned that the bust (the earlier one) which was installed in the 90s, have been removed and the land was encroached upon by miscreants, an appeal to stop the encroachment was made in the High Court. He was looking for someone from our Family and he gladly included my name in the petition. After the demise of our Grandfather, Kuppanna, as he was dearly called {VNK’s younger brother (Vathsala’s grandfather)} brought the whole family from Tanuku to Madras and supported them as if it was his own family. (It is mentioned that like Rama and Lakshmana, VNK and Kuppuanna used to live.).

Rest of the history is known to our present generation, I am sure. (example of showing Gratitude and Compassion) After Grandfather’s demise, Dr. Anna, in the name of Grandfather, opened a Trust Fund in the Name of VNK proceeds of which are utilised by the School Authorities towards presenting award to best students (example of showing Rememberance). On Dr Anna’s advice, I enhanced the amount in 1994-95. There is a lot to be learnt and emulated by the descendants. While VNK set an example by starting an Educational Centre, his brother, Kuppanna set an example in our Native Village of Vellur by renovating, adding Ambal Sannidhi, building of Draupadi Amman Temple etc.(example of service to society). Because of proximity of Kuppanna in Chennai (Madras), many know about his contribution to the benefit of our clan. Very rarely people have known VNK and the recent bust opening ceremony of our Grandfather should bring to focus the contribution of VNK to our generation and Tanuku.