WHY THIS BOOK NOW?

For all Telugu Writers of 'left and democratic' phiosophy in the 20th century, Gurajada is a source of inspira- tion and guidance. His poems, stories, letters, drama and critical essays teach and coach for a progressive bent of mind.. None else coud do it before him or after him. Many others like Rapaprolu, Joshua, Sri Sri, Arudra and Dasarathi inspire you towards the patriotic path and people's welfare. Decades ahead of them, Apparao gave a picture of scientific humanism and pragmatic nationalism. What is a country, what is people, what is a path for progress and what is intellectuaism in literature are the questions for which Gurajada gave answers. I used to be swayed away by Sri Sri's force of expression for a longtime but was mesmerised by the observations of Gurajada on sociocultural levels.. So what? Hundreds of articles and books came out in Telugu in priase of him or explaining his great- ness. May be, there are very few in English. Apparao has to go to non-Telugu readers of national and international gatherings. Perhaps, I thought, I coud do some service to his writings, sayings and preachings if I can do a small book with his words of poetry and swords of social thought. My friend and fellow traveller until his untimely death, Viriyala Lakshmipathi encouraged me and pushed me to take up the project in english. Hence this dedication to his memory. I cannot claim a masterly pen in English but dared to do it, may be with errors, mistakes and incorrect expressions. Readers would forgive them with the spirit of Gurajada going to non-Telugu readership............................