Reviews

Veerapuram – A Type Site for Cultural Study in the Krishna Valley: By T. V. G. Sastri, M. Kasturibai and J. Vara Prasada Rao. Birla Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute, Hyderabad. 1984. Price: Rs. 175.

Veerapuram, a village in Nandikotkur taluk of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh, joins the four celebrated historical and archaeological sites on the banks of the Krishna. It was excavated for three seasons from 1978 to 1980 in anticipation or the construction of the Srisailam Hydro-electric Project which would submerge the area.

In this it resembles the more famous sites of Nagarjunakonda and Alampur as well as Sangamesvaram. Nagarjunakonda was excavated and salvaged in view of Nagarjunasagar, while the other two, more recently, have had to be preserved or “salvaged” in view of the Srisailarn project. Amaravati, perhaps the most famous of the sites on the Krishna, has been under archaeological exploration and excavation since the last century.

This book, which embodies the results of the excavations for three seasons, shows that, while Veerapuram is not as important to the scholar as Amaravati or Nagarjunasagar, it has its own significance. Principally, it takes its place alongside of Nagarjuna­konda for the beginnings of the structural temple in the south. But it is also important as indicating the presence of a dynasty little known before, the Maharathi. Further, the find of Roman coins on the banks of the Krishna is significant.

This book supports the view of many scholars that sustained excavation and exploration will strengthen our national ethos by bringing to light many triumphs of our ancestors now lying underground. It was the archaeologist’s spade which made us aware of the glories of Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda, and it was the engineering ingenuity of the archaeologist which saved many precious Chalukyan temples from submersion. The Archaeological Survey and the State Departments of Archaeology are doing their best, but so vast is the scope that their efforts, even when aided by those of the universities, are inadequate. A private organisation, the Birla Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute of Hyderabad, has, with commendable dedication and enterprise, made its contribution, placing scholar­ship in its debt.

Since excavation reports in our country are often not published at all or, if they are, only after unconscionable delay, the Institute is entitled to praise for producing this report in reasonable time and with the full scholarly apparatus of drawing, figure and photograph. The report would be even more valuable if it had been presented in a style free from grammatical errors. But, in an excavation report, this is perhaps of minor importance.

Veerapuram sheltered man continuously from 1800 B. C. to 400 A. D. except for a brief interval between Neolithic and Megalithic. The excavators postulate three successive periods of habitation, Neolithic (with three sub-divisions: Early, late and Chalcolithic), Megalithic, and Early Historical, with an “overlap”, which was marked by the occurrence of punch marked coins, new painted pottery and the use of Cuddapah stone in buildings. The ceramic industry is variously but richly represented.

To the art historian, what is of great importance in these excavations is that they have produced evidence of structural temples in the Krishna valley in the fourth century A. D.,the date assigned by the authors. If this date is justified, these temples are later than the Ikshvaku ones in Nagarjunakonda, which were of the third century. But though later, they are of some special significance.

A group of nine belongs to an earlier of two periods. In a later phase three of these temples were renovated and four added. In the later development two of the earlier fanes and a newly-erected one were made into one “complex” with a common Mandapa. But it is difficult to follow the authors in what they say about the plan of some of these temples.

They do not say explicitly, but suggest, that, like the apsidal plan found in Nagarjunakonda, the square form also has “its origin” in South India. They seem to base this view on the plan of some of the Veerapuram temples they have excavated. But they do not elaborate this assertion.

These early temples provide much valuable evidence for the study of the development of rituals, iconography and constructions. But of the first occurrence of the square temple, or shrine, not very convincing evidence has been provided in this book.

The Roman coins found in the excavations belong to the time of Tiberius. So they are not exceptional, since it is coins of this emperor and his predecessor, Augustus, which have been found in abundance in South India. But on its obverse there is the portrait of an Indian king and his name indicated in Brahmi script alongside, “rano Hakuno.”

The Maharathis, whom these excavations bring to clear historical light, were the builders of the temples noticed. Successors of the Satavahanas in this part of the Deccan, they continued their religious and artistic traditions. None of them was perhaps as notable as any Ikshvaku or any Pallava, whose notable career began in this tract. Nevertheless, they are very much worth recovery from oblivion. Their artefacts deserve careful study.

The book contains an exhaustive study of many kinds of artefact found in the excavations and, in its way, is a model of its kind. It tells us what kind of life man led on this part of the Krishna banks for some twenty-two centuries. His pots and pans, his stones, his animals and plants have all been studied with admirable thoroughness. When he begins to build temples, he comes into the light of history. The Maharathi, it now appears, is as important as the Ikshvaku in the evolution of the temple.
–N. S. RAMASWAMI

History of the Dvaita School of Vedanta and its Literature: By Dr. B. N. K. Sharma. Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi-1l0007. Price: Rs. 200.

The author of this work combines in himself both the modern and traditional scholarships in Sanskrit and philosophy, and is a doughty champion of Madhva Vedanta. The first edition of this invaluable book received the highest literary award of the Sahitya Akademi. This is the second and revised edition.

Herein we have a systematic survey, from the early beginnings to our times, of the Dvaita philosophy, its literature and Acharyas in all aspects in historical, chronological, creative, expository, interpretative, comparative, dialectical and polemical. The learned author suggests “Swatantra Advitiya Brahmavaada” as an alternative and more significant designation for Madhva’s system. All original texts and commentaries, major and minor printed and unprinted, in Sanskrit, and books in Indian languages and English on this subject are noticed and reviewed. A long preface, nine appendices and other additions enhance the usefulness of the work.

An outstanding feature of this work from the viewpoint of a mere student of philosophy is the presentation herein, with relevant citations, in a lucid language not only of the main tenets of the Dvaita philosophy in their broad outline, but, also some of the dialectical and polemical arguments and disputes that were couched in terse and technical language in the Dvana classical tests and commentaries in Sanskrit that are sealed books to non-traditional students. Main draws and defects, according to the Dvaitins in Shankara’s monistic thought, and merits in the Dvaita system, are also pointed out. Thus this will serve as a standard reference book on this subject to all students of philosophy. Zealous students of Dvaita in particular and those of Advaita and other faiths also in general will be highly benefited by a close study of chapters 12-15, 22, 24,29, and 30 and Appendix 5 in particular. The former will be animated to know more by delving deep into their own classics. The latter will be induced to armour themselves with more dialectical ammunition to defend their own system and counter the arguments found herein by studying more of the Advaitic dialectics. A linguist will be delighted to note the nuances in the interpretations of the same sentences and phrases of the Upanishads and other texts. Every good library should make this book available to the inquisitive students.

–B. KUTUMBA RAO

Sirdar’s Letters: Mostly Unknown. Edited by G. M. Nandurkar. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Smarak Bhavan, Bhadra, Ahmedabad-1. Price: Rs. 30.

This is the third volume in succession to the two previous volumes of the correspondence of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The contents chiefly deal with the correspondence of the year 1950–the year of the death of the Sardar also. But some of the significant events had taken place witnessing the remarka­ble shrewdness of a statesman and courageous decision of an administrator in the “Iron Man”, as Sardar was aptly described by those who had watched his mind and achievements in the post-Independence organisation of the country starting on its career of a responsible Sovereign Republic.

Certainly no other person could have completed the unification of the Indian Union by bringing in the Native States into the fold with such alacrity and swiftness. His chief merit lay in his determination once formed on a task never after­wards slackening under any circumstance. As Rajaji so well put it in a letter published here, “You are destined to save the nation from this great calamity. This agreement of yours is a glorious achievement greater than independence. Is not the conquest of evil minds and the conversion of ill-will and distrust into goodwill and friendliness a bigger achievement than negotiations with reasonable men...”. The reference is to the Nehru-Liaqat Agreement which saved Bengal from an impending danger of total anarchy.

This volume has gathered many of the less known correspon­dence in the public view. Reading them only adds to our admiration and gratitude for the “Iron Man,” for the inestimable services he had rendered without quail of any opposition either from his own camp followers of the Congress or from outside. Some of them reveal how much far-sighted the Sardar had been in his estimate of the Chinese goodwill towards India and his circumspection in dealing with Assam where he had foreseen the elements of influences from China.

These letters will be a real source of information in under­standing the critical period of our country’s history in the immediate aftermath of the Independence that we won.

–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

The Story of Udavana: By T. R. Rajagopala Aiyar. U. V. Swami­natha Aiyer Library. Tiruvanmiyur, Madras. Price: Rs. 12.

This is an eminent English translation of Udayanan Kaadai published in 1924, by the late M. M. U. V. Swaminatha Aiyar of fragrant memory. With his indefatigable pursuit of manuscripts of old, the great savant brought out many a lost work in Tamil literature. The story of Udavana is traced to the Brihat Katha of Gunadhva in Sanskrit, where the escapades of this prince had been told with much elaboration. Renowned poets such as Bhasa and Sriharsha have drawn upon this same source for their celebrated dramas.

No doubt the Tamil version has its own attraction for its change of atmosphere and makes the reader feel the whole as one of its own treasures. The translator has done it with an eye to keep the simplicity of narration of the Tamil story while at the flame time not forgetful of the language proving no hurdle to the smoothness of reading. Though as a story with lots of adventures and happenings of an unrealistic kind, it may not fully absorb the modern reader’s enthusiasm, still for the knowledge of the growth of Tamil literature bearing influence of Sanskrit, its value can no wise be minimised.

The Swaminatha Aiyar Library has done a good job by publishing the works in translation of Swaminatha Aiyar.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

Leela: Game of Knowledge: By Harish Johari. Rupa & Co., 15, Bankim Chatterji Street, Calcutta - 73. Price: Rs. 20.

Gyan Chaupad, game of knowledge, is to be found in some of the family heritages in parts of U. P. It is a “game” played with dice and each throw is believed to be influenced by one’s Karmic legacy. This book gives a modern version of the game, with detailed explanations of the concepts involved. There is a board with 72 squares interspersed with arrows (leading upwards) and snakes (thrusting downwards). Each square stands for a particular plane of existence, state of consciousness, the prevail­ing guna, etc. When the principles are understood and the game is played with full awareness, the player can determine for himself his state of being, the kind of future that is in store for him and so on.

The author explains: “If the player lands on square 69, the absolute plane, he cannot reach Cosmic Consciousness, which is square 68. In that case he has to reach square 72, where Tamo­guna can bring him to earth, after which he can reach Cosmic Consciousness by gradual progression or by throwing a three and reaching spiritual devotion – the direct arrow to Cosmic Consciousness.”

An exciting game which is perhaps the ancestor of the present children’s game of snakes and ladders.
– M. P. PANDIT

Desire and Suffering: By Boleslaw Leitgeber. Writers’ Work­shop, Calcutta - 44. Price: Rs. 10.

This is an essay on Eastern and Western views of desire and suffering from a polish-friend of India. Boleslaw aad Leitgeber whose book East and West in man’s Perennial Quest, also a Writers’ Workshop publication, is acclaimed as a remarkable book of absorbing interest. The preface tells us that the monograph brings to the fore the wisdom of bygone days together with the present day consideration in the light of happenings in our own troubled times. Boleslaw at the beginning of the essay observes that the art of meeting suffering has been in decline in equal proportion to the rise of self-indulgence following in the wake of scientific progress. “Facing suffering”, he adds “in a manly manner has ceased to be a professed aim in the education of the youth as it was in the past. Temptations and tribulations are said to be profitable to man for in them, to quote Thomas-a.Kempis, man is meekend, purged and sharply taught. This strength of man is emphasised in all religions, but he observes that in no other body of religious thought and practice has the craving for the end of man’s suffering evoked more absorbing attention than in the teachings of the Buddha. The author now gives a razor-sharp analysis of Buddhism, both Heenayana and Mahayana and draws a comparison with Christianity on one hand and Hinduism, Sufism, King-Fu-Tse. Taoism, Stoicism on the other. He conludes the arguments of the contemplatives insisting on detachment as a formula for the conquest of pain with the words of St. John of the Cross. He then takes up the arguments of the post-Christian thinkers insisting on total involvement, scientific and socio-political. He examines the views of Phillip Metman, Arthur W. Osborn, Prof. Thielicke, Malcolm Muggeridge, Albert Schweitzer, W. Macrelle Dixon, Arnold Toynbee and Daisaku Ikda. He concludes the discussion with the recipe suggested by Aldous Huxley. Hence, by giving up man’s apartness as an ego­centric being can the world’s suffering be overcome.” The essay closes with the wise words of Teilhard de Chardin who avers that suffering is unavoidable. It is the price we pay for universal progress and triumph. Though we find it difficult to agree with him when he says Hinduism puts accent on knowledge whereas Buddhism emphasises the pattern of love, we have no doubt that the author’s essay is a repertoire of wisdom and a must for every civilised being who is concerned with the troubled times we live in. The bibliography at the end is really valuable.

–G. SRIRAMA MURTHY

Our Duty: H. H. Chandrasekhara Bharati Swamy. Bharatlya Vidya BhavAn, Bombay - 40007. Price: Rs. 5.

The collection of ten essays representing some of the teachings of H. H. Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati Swamy of Sringeri Sarada Peetham (1892-1954) who was a great scholar and true tapaswinis the second edition issued on the occasion of the celebration of the Vijayayatra of their Holinesses Jagadguru Sankaracharya Sri Abhinava Vidya Teertha Swamy and his successor-designate Sri Bharati Teertha Swamy of Sringeri to Bombay in 1982. The essays were composed in limpid English by a devotee for the benefit of laymen. In the first chapter “Practical Religion”, the Swamiji brings out the distinctive features of the Hindu Dharma properly called Sanatana Dharma, and establishes that no other religion is so universal as it. However, he sounds a note of caution that “it is not uniformly applicable to all mankind and prescribes also special laws for those among them who are born in this sacred land subject to the religious discipline based on the caste system. If the Sastras are our only guide for telling us that a particular line of spiritual conduct is beneficial we cannot throw them over-bound when they tell us in the same breath for whomit is beneficial. Our religious and, in fact, any system which aims at a regulation of conduct, must be based upon the principle of Adhikaara or individual competency.” The Swamiji defines the goal of man’s life as self-realisation which also guarantees permanent happiness. It is our duty to put effort in that direction though the goal may not be reached in a lifetime. He exhorts us not to be lost in the maze of metaphysical speculations regarding Jeeva, Jagat and Isvaraand live a purposeful life here and now as ordained by our Sastras. With a remarkable clarity of thought and expres­sion, the Swamiji discusses all important metaphysical problems as fate and free-will, the nature of inner self, the role of God, Sastras in man’s tireless efforts to accumulate Punyaand attain Moksha. As a simple guide for right living and thought, the book is most welcome.

–Dr. G. SRIRAMA MURTHY

Rta-Psychology Beyond Freud: By Nirmal Kumar. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay-7. Price: Rs. 45.

Yaska and other ancient commentators declared and illus­trated how Vedas and Puranas can be interpreted in three ways. The learned author of the book under review, probed deep into the interpretations of the Vedas and the Upanishads, etc., and evolved a system of Vedic psychology for the first time. Constituents of Psychology are discussed in separate chapters in the first part. The problem of disintegration and chaos in human personality from a few important angles is presented. Reintegration is taken up in the third part and the remedies recommended by our ancient seers are discussed.

Discovery of a system of Vedic and Upanishadic psychology and its presentation on modern lines is the first and foremost contribution of this author. A separate chapter is devoted to discuss the difference between the psychology of our ancient masters and that of Freud. Here and throughout the work, the author has shown where Freud has gone wrong and hence failed and where our ancient masters have gone beyond Freud and succeeded. This is the second and marvellous contribution of the author. Ills and evils that are eating into the vitals of the modern society all over the world, and in all fields are pointed ­out, and remedies based on the Vedic psychology – Advaitic Knowledge, Love and Sacrifice with its psychological significance are clearly suggested. Adherence to “Rta” in short is prescribed as a panacea. This is the third and constructive contribution of the author to this ailing society. On the whole this work not only challenges but corrects Freud’s psychology, and presents Vedic psychology for the first time in modern terms. The book deserves a serious study by persons of all avocations, and they are sure to be richly rewarded by that.

–B. KUTUMBA RAO

Monarch of Rhythm (A biography of A. Narayana Das): By Dr. G. Sreerama Murthy. Published by Smt. Karra Syamala Devi, Syamala Nagar, Guntur - 6. Price: Rs. 5.

This is an excellent biography of Adibhatta Narayana Das, a multifaceted genius of renascent Andhra. Narayana Das, a household name in Andhra, was a combination of unusual faculties of music, literature, scholarship, wit and wisdom, a philosophy of life and a flare for all that is true, good and beautiful. As an innovator-exponent of Harikatha (a musical, religious and literary discourse) he was peerless. He was a rare genius in music who blended Karnatic and Hindustani styles and earned kudos from men of eminence like Rabindranath Tagore and per­formed feats like demonstration of Panchamukhi Tala and Dasavidha Raganavati. As a writer, Das has to his credit many valuable works. He was an Avadhani. He could sway thousands of audiences and transport them into the realms of aesthetic pleasure by dint of his talent in Harikatha. He had a deep sense of spiritualism. Pitfalls like hedonism and wayward life notwithstanding, Das’s, life and achievements are unparalelled.

Dr. Sreerama Murthy’s biography of the great man, master and maestro, runs like a poem. Flare for idiomatic and colourful narration, objectivity and sense of involvement in the subject make this easily one of the best biographies.

–DR. DHARA RAMANADHA SASTRY

Bapu: By G. D. Birla. Translated by P. Lal. Writers’ Workshop’ Calcutta-44. Price: Rs. 10.

G. D. Birla is one of those blessed people who had the rare privilege of enjoying the company and confidence of Mahatma Gandhi. This is a talk, originally delivered in Hindi, under the auspices of Sangeetakala Mandir. Calcutta, on 24th December 1981, long after the Mahatma was dead and gone, when he himself was in his 83rd year. (He passed away last year in England) He had already published a book In the Shadow of the Mahatma: A Personal Memoir (1968) and his correspondence with the great soul entitled Bapu: A Unique Association (4 vols. 1977) from which an intimate picture of the Mahatma emerges. The present volume is not a book deliberately written but an extempore talk in which he presents the human side of the superhuman hero through a series of interesting anecdotes. The author has no use for the public life of the Mahatma. He asserts “It’s true that Gandhi was the originator of Satyagraha Movement. It is also true that he brought us independence. But the important thing to remember is that he gave us a new direction and a special quality of inspiration. That direction and that in­spiration will survive for thousands of years. Satyagraha and independence are secondary matters.” We must be grateful to Gandhi for his fresh interpretation of the Gitawith a heavy stress on Anasaktiyoga; for his message of fearlessness and above all for his open-mindedness and rich humanity. Birla, unlike Jawaharlal Nehru, observes Gandhi with awe and unquestioning faith. Hence here emerges a picture of the Mahatma untouched by personal predilection and criticism. The talk is studded with many a poetic quotation and gentle humour. P. Lal has given us an elegant and readable translation.
- Dr. G. SRIRAMA MURTHY

White Darkness and Other Poems: By Shyam Singh Shashi. Price: Rs. 20.
When Grief Rains: By T. Vasudeva Reddy. Price: Rs. 15.
Day in and Day out: By Banshidhar Sarangi. Price: Rs. 15.
Charm and Chastity and Other Poems: By Clement Eswar. Price: Rs. 20. The above four volumes are published by Samkaleen Prakashan, 2762. Rajguru Marg. Paharganj, New Delhi-110055.
Flowers are Bleeding: By Somesh Dasgupta: Price: Rs. 20.
Melody of Wounds: By Nar Deo Sharma. Price: Rs. 20.
Roopali: By Dinesh Chibber. Price: Rs. 30.

The above three volumes are published by Writers Workshop. 162/92, Lake Gardens. Calcutta-700 045.

In the current poetry-deluge from Indians, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find any flame of poetic fire. There is plenty of wordy versification which illumes neither the reader nor, perhaps, the author himself. But the poses struck by these poets vary from the sublime to the ridiculous. Consider Shyam Singh Shashi who confesses that he scribbles “my imagination on paper during my leisure moments.” Lo! these “scribblings”­ some of them originally scribbled in Hindi – are offered to us as an olla-podrida of sex (both individual and group varieties, if you please!) and idiocy. More sober in the selection of his themes, T. Vasudeva Reddy, however, offers a mere jug of sour cream:

“Eating in the hotel of my heart
fired in the penitential fire
when shall I come to you to place
The remnant of my heart at your feet?”

Indeed, Banshidhar Sarangi’s Oriya poems are confessional jottings that appear drab in their English garb. Clement Eswar can get away from the ‘I’, and if he chooses to write seriously on the human situation, he can do fairly well:

“O Butterfly .. butterfly,
Where will you go?
No plants or flowers to show.
Concrete buildings are high,
We cut off all to throw.
And no place to grow
Baby to beetroot we know
To produce in test-tubes, you go.”

Calcutta is too much with Somesh Dasgupta and we are given interesting vignettes of the megacity. Despite so many writers seeking to know its inmost secrecy of survival, Calcutta retains her aura of mystery:

“Ah Calcutta! city of slums and skyscrapers
you have Seen bullet, fire and youth’s rage.
Ideas and feelings together make your mystery,
unravelled, a winding maze.”

Nar Deo Sharma shows great promise in Melody of Wounds. Biting sarcasm is his specialty and the evils of the Hindu society are attacked relentlessly by his scalding pen.

“After a great loss
It dawned on you
That borrowed raiments
of foreign cultures
Remain loose or skimpy,
The shoes of alien traditions
Always pinch the wearers.”

“Roopali is his wife and his second book of poems.” Such is the Writers Workshop introduction to Dinesh Chibber. An army officer, he has not let his poetic veins to be clogged up and poems like “Second Strike” to are grimly prophetic. One hopes he would take up a challenging subject and give us a long poem on the inhumanness of man-made war-machinery.
–Dr. PREMA NANDAKUMAR

HINDI

Annamacharya Aur Surdas, Samaj Shastriya Adhyayan: By Dr. M. Sangamesam. Copies available with the author at 18-3-56, Shanti Nagar, K. T. Road, Tirupati - 517501. Price: Rs. 50.

Dr. Sangamesam’s doctoral thesis on the sociological study of the literature of Anamacharya and Surdas is a substantial contribution to the field of comparative literature. It brings together two celebrated personalities separated by distance, language and the social ground, but culturally united. Dr. N. B. Subbannacharya is right in his observation that this research work is a crucial and significant contribution to methodology as well as interpretative exposition of the on-going experience of the spiritual varieties of Indian culture. Indeed it covers a wide range of human behaviour in two different parts of our country inhabited by the two distinguished personalities, Annamacharya in Tirupati and Surdas in Madhura.

While going through the pages of this book one cannot but feel elevated to find the basic unity of our country in spite of the apparent diversities. The concept of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha, the four components of the quadrangle of life, have been dealt with in the first chapter of the book from a sociological point of view with a pleasant accent on Indian tradition. The social structure prevalent in those days and the attitude of the two celebrities towards society received a masterly treatment in the hands of Dr. Sangamesam.

Even from the purely secular point of view the present work presents an interesting account of the social customs like marriage, joint family, food habits, garments and ornaments, education, sports, etc. Dr. Sangamesam tried to illustrate in these pages, the glorious and the scintillating past and the expression coming from a person who has tried to assimilate the philosophy of two saints, in particular, and of all saints in general, is particularly refreshing and revealing.

One more feature about the work is the command of the author over Hindi language which is not his mother-tongue. It is, however, not surprising to find such masterly expression in Dr. Sangamesam who has dedicated his whole life to the cause of Hindi and has tried to bridge the gulf  between two language communities. In this respect it is a contribution not only to literature but also to national integration resulting, of course, in the appreciation of human values in the right perspective.
–Dr. I. PANDURANGA RAO

TELUGU

Cheppukodagga Manushulu (Men and Women that Matter): By Devulapalli Prabhakara Rao.. Sri Andal Prachuranalu, 3-4-529/12/7, Lingampally, Hyderabad. Price: Rs. 35.

Portrait-painting in Telugu in the manner of modern writing does not have a long history, nor are there many writers in Telugu who speciallsed in this art and brought out the collections of their pen-portraits with the exception of Mr. Tirumala Rama­chandra. As if to fill up this gap, Mr. Devulapalli Prabhakara Rao has brought this collection of 125 of his portraits done week by week to feed a Telugu Weekly named “Prajatantra” which no more exists. These sketches relate to politicians and party bosses, beads of states and governments, administrators and chiefs of institutions, legal luminaries and jurists, litterateurs and scholars, actors and actresses, singers and musicians, artists and film directors, journalists and cartoonists, scientists and industrialists, Sarvodaya leaders and social workers belonging to all the continents.

In these pen-portraits, Mr. Prabhakara Rao, apart from providing brief biographical details, highlights the career of the persons in the fields in which they carved out a niche for themselves and assesses the personality both from within and without bringing out their human questions in the historical process. Since the author kept himself to current events. while writing these sketches, historical personalities such as Gandhiji, Jawaharlal Nehru, Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin do not find a place in this collection and even when he chose to write about a person who is not in the news very much, he picked up only contemporary living persons talking about whom, one finds relevance in the present day context. Students of current affairs and budding journalists will find the volume a very useful one.