Book Reviews

ENGLISH

‘A LITTLE LAMP AND OTHER TELUGU STORIES”: by Govindaraju Sita Devi; Editor - Vemaraju N arasimha Rao Navya Sahiti Samiti, Hyderabad ­500 020; pp 156; Rs. 35/­

This is a collection of Telugu stories of Smt. Govindaraju Sita Devi, translated into English, by various writers. The writer and also some of the translators are writers of repute and the translation makes easy reading and the essential ingredients of the original are excellently preserved in translations. As remarked by Prof. I. V. Chalapathi Rao, the differences in the styles of various translators show but the general tenor is maintained throughout the book. The translators have done a good job and deserve compliments.

There has been an enormous input from English into Telugu all these decades, but no comparable output from Telugu into. English, Viewed in this perspective, this book is a welcome addition in exposing some of our writers to the English readers, both in India and abroad. More and more such exposure is needed for Telugu writers to the English and Hindi readership to have a balanced understanding of the Telugu writers and their output.

The style avoids unnecessary embellishments and the narration is straight. The characters reveal Sita Devi’s grasp of the human behaviour in different situations and many of the stories have a message to give, though indirectly. A few are family and middle class oriented and there are no contrived situations, or the usual melodrama in family stories. Though there is nothing new the author wants to convey, the narration is absorbing and capturing the attention of the reader. Surprisingly, in these days, when Indian - English books are lavishly priced, Sita Devi’s book is priced very moderately. This is a good attempt and we would hope more of her works would come.

- SAGITTARIUS

A REVIEW ON EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY: Edited by Dr. N. Venkataiah, Dean of Education Dept, Mysore University; Pages: 234, Price: Rs. 400/­

The sum total of knowledge in the world was doubling up in every 5 years in the 70’s and in every 3 years in the 90’s. With this “Information Explosion”, effective imparting of relevant knowledge has become a problem, giving rise to the nascent field of Educational Technology. The present book on ET consists of 11 chapters, including an overview by the Editor.

In the opening chapter Dr. Venkataiah gives a good overview of the topic ET describing the established audio-visual aids, hardware/software and also the recent advances like ETV, LAN Interactive Video, Tele-Conference, E-Mail, AI etc. Although a dozen books in the topic ET are already published, information is packed in a single Chapter.

Chapter II covering ‘Instructional Design’ appears to be very useful. The methods are more cost-effective and beneficial to the scenario in our country. The nine events that characterise the optimum Instructional Episode and the complex situation in which learning occurs Viz. Content-Media-Teacher (CMT) paradigm are brought out very well.

Chapter III highlights the concepts and practices of ‘Master Learning (ML) which helps all students to learn effectively, quickly and self-confidently. A few examples are cited to demonstrate the improvement of results over those of conventional methods. In Chapter IV on  ‘Developing Teaching Competence’, an integrated approach is presented conceptualising in terms of cognitive process, affective learning and performance skill. Chapter V lists out the criteria relevant for developing ‘Multimedia Instructional System’, The selection of materials, their validity checking (curricular, instructional and technical and appropriate application are broadly enumerated)

Chapter VI describes the spread of education at all levels by means of Radio and TV Broadcasting in various countries including India and USA. Chapter VIII is an authoritative paper on Tele-Communication in Education, covering developments in Computer Science, Telecommunications and Technologies of Instruction and their applications in Education and Training. The Recent Instructional Design Trends and a couple of case studios with their results are very interesting. In Chapter VIII, the need for essential knowledge for all about computers in stressed with view to making use of computers in information Storage and Retrieval for all applications.

In Chapter IX the need for using “Computer Mediated Conference/communications Technology” is emphasised for distance education, while defining the role of ‘Facilitator’ for the greatest efficacy. Also present day limitations and their solutions are discussed. In Chapter X the type of search on various aspects ET that is needed is discussed.

In Chapter XI, the results of analysis carried out on the ETV programmes in our country under projects SITE, INSAT etc. are presented.

It would have been still more useful if Design of Experiments based on statistical theories is also brought out in one of the papers presented in this book for taking vital decisions on ET, which benefits all. All things considered, it is a good book to be acquired by not only libraries but also individuals.

Dr. I. Achyuta Rao

TELUGU

KRK MOHAN KATHALU: By K.R.K. Mohan, Shrimukha Pubishers, Hyderabad pp. 176; Rs. 40/-­

This is a compilation of short stories by Mr. K.R.K. Mohan, which had already appeared in several journals. Each of the stories contains a positive element and reveals him as a keen observer of human nature and his ability as a story teller. The stories are based on subtle human experiences and the style is easy to read and the narration gripping. The author has set the locales in several towns of Andhra and cleverly used the regional drop. The characters invent their own private world and a realistic touch is added to them. The language is of easy descriptive style which goes well with the reader. The characters come from the every day acquaintances and the common people around whom are woven the situations neatly. One of the stories, “The story of a palm tree” was selected for an “Anthology of World Humour’. Mohan is a writer of repute and some of his stories were translated into other languages like Urdu, Kannada and Tamil. A good addition to one’s collection of books.

P. CATHERINE PAUL

“VIRISARALU”: by Prof. Vemuri Venkata Ramanadham: Vemuri Chandravati Ramnadham, Charitable Trust, Secunderabad; pp 106; Rs. 20/-.

This well got-up and aesthetically satisfying book is a collection of poems and ‘geyams’ written by Prof. Ramanadham in his spare time during the last fifty years of his busy life in India and abroad. Written in classical style of metered verse, most of them are marked by anubhuti and darsana characteristics of lofty creations.

The first poem ‘Bharati’ presents the Goddress of our Motherland with a sad mien as though her heart was grief - stricken with the violence and discontent prevailing in the country. Written in the same vein “Hampi” reminds us of the glory and grandeur of the by-gone days contrasted with the squalour and misery of the present. It was the golden age when Krishnadevaraya assisted by his Minister Timmarusu, ruled the country and Ashtadiggajas (the eight poets) produced their timeless classics. The architectural and sculptural beauties of the royal palace are no more.

“Andhra Silpi”, “Telugutanan”, “Telugu Kirti”, and “Muttaiduvu” extol the creativity and skills of the Telugu people like Nannayya, Tikkana, Pothana, Viswanadha and the courage and sacrifice of historical personages like Rudrama Devi, Durgabai, and Prakasam. “Rayala Pelli” is a master piece containing purple patches of the poet’s descriptive power and rich imagination.

The 20-page long poem, “GANDHI-GANDHI-GANDHI”, written in the form of dramatic dialogue brings together in heaven leaders of three generations - Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Being a noted economist of international fame, the poet hails free economy and the present policy of liberalisation by writing “Deepavali” (the festival of lights). The poet’s love of nature, birds and concern for environmental protection are brought out in “Vihanga Ganamu”, “Chitti Pittalu”, “Sagara Sayya”, “Anni Anne”, and “Ennallo”.

“Smriti” is written down the memory lane when his thoughts turned to his beloved wife who had left her earthly sojourn but not her permanent place in his heart. There is subtle pathos in this poem. “Debbadi Aidu” and “Spandanabhivandana” are the poet’s response to the tributes received from his friends and well-wishers on his attaining the 75th year.

Towards the end of this volume we find a few poems about the Telugu New Year Days (“Ugadi”) ending with the latest UGADI - DHAATA. The poet strikes an optimistic note that there will be an end to all the problems and crises our country is facing today.

This book deserves to be on the shelves of all libraries and to be purchased by all discerning lovers of poetry. In these days of a. plethora of prose poetry and free verse, it is refreshing to come across a book of this type.

I. V. Chalapati Rao

“VYASA KATHALU”: by Dr. Potukuchi Sambasiva Rao; Viswa Sahiti Publications, Secunderabad pp 44; Rs. 12/-

This book has nothing to do with the sage Vyasa. It contains fourteen stories written in an experimental style which is a pleasing synthesis of essay­-writing and story-telling. Most of the stories mirror the events and experiences of real life, making dexterous use of humour to soften criticism. Interest is sustained throughout

In “Himsa” we find delightful depiction of the contamination of Hussainsagar by persons and groups who have no sense of beauty. It is tragic irony that Goutama Buddha has to compromise his principles of love and non-violence to placate the criminals into whose midst he was thrown.

“Agnipariksha” deals with the tragedy of the blow-out at Pasarlapudi which exposes the inefficiency of the ONGC people and their indifference to plight of the common man. “SanmanaLu” (Felicitations) have degenerated into commercial deals today. There are people and organisations which exploit man’s craving for fame. “Biyyam” is an interesting satire on the rationing system in vogue. “Manasara” is a sarcastic exposure of the way Gandhiji’s 125th birthday was celebrated. The travail of the common man is described in “Samayuni Ikkatlu”.

In all the stories, the author turns his satire against the foibles of human beings, and social evils. Satire is gentle rebuke. It is like the worm of Nilus - it kills but does not hurt Language is simple and conversational.

Y. Satyasree

“SRI RAMA KATHAMRUTHAM”: Sri Samavedam Janakirama Sarma, 67-17-1, Lal Bahadurnagar, Kakinada - 533 003.

The “adikavya” of Sanskrit literature - THE RAMAYANA was translated into Telugu by several other writers previously. Being the story of the perfect Man and the incarnation of the VISHNU himself, the RAMAYANA continues to exude its sweet fragrance to all its readers, as it contains the devotional ecstacy of the writers. Sri Samavedam Janaki Rama Sarma has taken up the first canto - the BALAKANDA for translation in this work which compares very well with the works of others. Without affecting the narration in the original by Sage Valmiki, Sri Samavedam has given some of the incidents his own inimitable style. By paying respects to the predecessors, he followed the traditional way of narration. On the occasion when Dasaratha offers his Senior Queen Kausalya the payasam, he addresses her endearingly he shows his ingenuity. The author reveals his grasp over the narration and several incidents dealing with Rama’s childhood, Sage Viswamithra’s arrival to the court of Dasaratha and the agony of the king when he deputes his sons along with him for the security of the yaga and the extolling of Viswamithra’s greatness by Vasishta are superbly depicted.

The author pleads with the Lord Rama to allow him to bring out the other five cantos also with success and one hopes that this will not go in vain. He is capable of it and we wish he will do it without any interruption.

Klanadhaphatta virabhadra Sastry

BOOKS RECEIVED

SRI MOUNASWAMI; Biographical sketch of the founder Swami of Sri Siddheswari Peetham, Courtallam (Tamilnadu) by Prof. B. Rama Raju, Published by Sri Siddheswari Peetham; pp 56; Rs. 10/­

SOUVENIR OF CD DESHMUKH CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE: Andhra Mahila Sabha, Hyderabad 500 007

SOUVENIR of the CP Brown Memorial Committee, Cuddapah 516 004