30th Chinna Shodha Yatra
Impressions by Prof. K.V. Satya Prakash
It was unfortunate that though this time the Yatra happened to be nearer to where I work we could not take fullest advantage of it, but still I managed to join on the last day as I do not want to miss out totally.
It was pleasant walking with eminent personalities like our Brigadier Pogula Ganesham Garu, the leader, who made every yatra interesting with his total involvement and narratives, in between, along the way.
It was a surprise to find Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) Principal Scientist Dr. Vatsala Rani amongst us, as she herself happened to be an innovator, bringing drastic changes to the use of mobiles.
It was the energy of Co- yatris that kept my shortened interactions memorable, as Shri Anji Reddy Garu and Shri Sai Garu were found to be very active in interacting with the villagers on behalf of Palle Srujana.
It was the youngsters Siva Prasad, Bharadwaj, Janardhan Reddy, Harish, Vijay, Siva, Lakshmi and others did their part in mingling with insiders and outsiders in creativity as they are from different backgrounds.
It was the old man we met, impressed me, with his simplicity and ignorance, which I feel are the reasons for his longevity and good health, as he does not remember his age, though villagers say he may be 90 +.
It was the Chinna Shodha Yatras that made the youngsters, particularly students, to volunteer on own, as they keep aside inhibitions, not hesitating to talk about themselves or with others and move ahead.
It was quiet Raju and Parasuram who were doing all the background work making life and journey comfortable for the yatris by providing all help, water, food, tea and accommodation at different points.
It was systematic and superb arrangements- wise, and these need to be continued in all other Chinna Shodha yatras as well, and I see Shri Anji Reddy Garu and Shri Sai Garu as possible future torch- bearers.
It was said that Men (and/ or women) may come and men (and/ or women) may go but the institutions or organizations remain or continue for long and Palle Srujana/Chinna Shodha Yatra are carried forward.
It was the diversity and people from different backgrounds joining in Palle Srujana’s Chinna Shodha Yatras seems to making them more and more popular as well as unique, without any coteries or cliques.
It was the rivers where the yatris seems to have enjoyed most during the entire journey and I feel that these natural resources are to be tapped for using them or making picnic spots should be Gyan Shodh.
I can be part of the possible Gyan Shodh as I am working nearby, and developing the places where one happens to be gives immense satisfaction apart from possibility of bringing in happiness to the people.*