Prof Vontimitta Visweswaraiah remembered

  Prof Vontimitta Visweswaraiah remembered

                                                                                                                               

Prof Visweswaraiah is a well known social activist concerned with the welfare of the older persons. In his memory, after his demise in 2015 at the age of 85, his family trust instituted an annual award to be given to some senior citizen for outstanding services to the elderly community. This year’s (2017) award was given to me during the Foundation Day celebration function of the Association of Senior Citizens of Hyderabad, today in Lions Bhavan, Secunderabad. This has given me an opportunity to remember Prof Visweswaraia, a great soul, with fond memories.

I received the honour at the hands of the chief guest for the event, Sri Surya Prakash, a renowned artist. The award comprised of a Shawl, Memento, Citation and a Cheque for Rs 5000/-  .See the text of the citation here. At home, I have a print of a famous painting of Surya Prakash in my house, received as a parting gift when I left ICICI Knowledge Park - see image! 

The reason for this blog post is not merely to boast – I am an unabashed self-motivator, if I don’t talk well about myself, who will – but also to record my thanks to all: AOSC Award Selection Committee, Smt Vaijayanthi and others concerned and as well to several people who congratulated me subsequently. Any recognition, however big or small, enriches my life and I consider this award as very precious as Prof Visweswaraiah was quite close to me and I wish to cherish him in my memory as much as possible.

My daily prayer includes chanting Devistuti (in praise of Lingabhairabi Devi consecrated at Isha Ashram, Coimbatore) which has a line: “Jai Bhairavidevi Vishweswari Namahshree”. A Surya mala he gifted to me when we went to Kashi is kept in our Puja room. Therefore I remember him almost daily. What could make me more happier than getting an award named after Prof Vontimitta Visweswaraiah?  Jai Bhairavidevi.

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