Last Letter of my first Guru

[This was the last letter from my first Guru, Late Shri Ramananda Jyothi (Uraf Shri Chiruvolu Durga Prasada Rao garu), whose photo is given above. I received it in November, 1982, when I was undergoing training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie as a requirement during my probation period being a Member of the Indian Statistical Service.]

Dear Ranga,

I strongly believe that you have honestly selected the adjectives to describe this old man. You are sincere in this respect but let me tell you that flattering doesn’t bring any respect excepting a bad title. The rest of the letter contained bright ingredients that made me hope that I have produced a powerful torch that beckons gloomy atmosphere and threatens darkness.

As per the inheritance you referred, I have given you a pious and ennobling one from your infancy, keeping me as a burning example.

Stand like a mighty rock facing all tough and rough weathers, making your way boldly through the path of life. Uphold and bring success to needy, kicking the greedy in its face. I think, you will not hesitate nor be afraid of putting down the culprit even though he may belong to higher cadre and treat kindly and tenderly the weaknesses of subordinates, but only with a severe threatening (warning).

Much more another time if I am allowed by Him.

As per my personal affairs, the Lord has cut down half of the faculties that He had bestowed upon me. I am unable to read and write with the energetic enthusiasm, which was once my habit, and I need a correspondent now.

With my best wishes that you should remain in that noble atmosphere and continue to do so, I wish you every success with happiness and prosperity in this world and crushing defeat to the evil. You, a man with courage and conviction to discharge your duties, shall rise to national and international spheres. I hope meanness will never dare to rise its face towards you.

Yours for ever,

Sd/-