My father, Veluvali Rama Lingeswara Sarma, studied B.A. in P.R. College, Kakinada in the later part of 1940s. Later he did B.Ed. He was interested to serve the young nation by becoming a part of the education system. Soon after the completion of his graduation, he got so many jobs. In those days, jobs were not tough to get. He got jobs in Revenue, Justice and Education departments. He chose education department as believed that providing good education was the immediate need then.
He taught in High Schools, Basic Training Schools and worked as an Inspector of Schools in several districts of Andhra Pradesh. His early years as a government servant were in Krishna and West Godavari districts. I born in Tanuku, when he was working there. Later he was transferred to Srikakulam district. All my sisters were born in the same district. We had a pleasant though short time there. My father served in various places as Parvatipuram, Ranastalam, Vamaravalli, Gummalakshmipuram, Narasannapeta and Veeraghattam.
He suffered from diabetes for a long time. Some complications developed over a period of time. He lost his eye-sight to a then new condition known as Diabetic Retinopathy. He took a long leave from his job and reached Palakollu, his ancestral place. He never joined his duties again. I was studying for my SSC in A P Residential School, Tadikonda in those days.
After suffering for a period of two years due to multiple complications of diabetes he passed away in April, 1976. My only regret was that I could not spend more time with him. To me, he will be always a hero, though I do not know much about him. Because, by the time I get to know him, I lost him. I am posting some of his photos in memory of him. I have circled him in red line for your easy identification. You can see his handwriting on the top photo.
I wish to dedicate this post to all Fathers on this Father's Day. May the bond between fathers and families will remain young and strong always.
