I think many of us would be interested in knowing more about KaaRaa,
and here are a few glimpses of the Mastaru I know. He retired as a
mathematics teacher in Vizag and now lives in Gajapathi nagaram, near
Vizayanagaram. He is fondly referred to as KaaRaa and Kathala Maastaaru. I
heard him speak in public forums, esply. Virasam, many times. His energy,
committment to his cause (social change through Story and Story itself) and
tenacity of purpose are outstanding. He is a thoughtful, prudent man, just
like his stories. If I am allowed only one word to describe both KaaRaa
Masatru and his work, I would say 'restraint' (Samyamanam). I hope to write
about Mastari stories separately. He visited us (US) during 1993 TANA
conference in NY. Dr. Kalasapudi Srinivasa Rao and Vasundhara were his
hosts. I also stayed with them during that time, as well as Murali
Chanduri, the founder-publisher of Rachana telugu monthly. I being the
bachelor boy was to escort Maastaru, keep his company during the sabhalu. I
took that opportunity to bombard him with questions. He was mostly silent
and very observant throughout. He is an activist at heart, he believes in
action and 'fighting with life' as he often says, but also is very tactful.
He seems to have recognized the futility of criticism much earlier; you will
never hear him say anything disagreeable about people or situations. He
just patiently observes, searches for understanding and conveys that insight
to his reader very very subtly.
Both in TANA sabhalu and later when we met in Vizag (1994, Mastaru
visited our home), there was an affection and a tension between the two of
us. The tension was not negative in anyway, it was a search for common
ground. In Vizag also, one could sense his Pattudala in continuing his
mission as he envisions it, which today includes encouragement of good story
and its writer. He is a mentor to many younger story writers. I think you
can see an honest writer in his work and vice-versa, and this is certainly
true about KaRaa. In TANA sabhalu, fans collected some money to give KaaRaa
mastaru (He also is a publisher), a part of which he used to publish the new
collection 'Yajnamto Thommidi'. Maastaru sent me a copy and asked me to
critique it. I started the critique but never did finish it. I have more
memories with KaaRaa mastaru. Will try to share with you someday.
Velceru Narayana Rao garu is back in US. He knows KaaRaa and his Story very
well. NaRa, wouldn't you write about KaaRaa for Telusa please?
Kanaka Prasad