All of us (Sagar, Jayanath, Sashikanth, venkatesh, Raju, Subbu, Chandra, Chakri, Pala, Mahendranth, Rajmohan, Nag, muthy and Praveen) were in different groups in Bhilai and started merging once we reached Durgapur. We had Andhra samiti and all of us were excited to go there and celebrate Ganesh Pooja. We were introduced to lot of new folks (seniors).. Sudhakar (he left the organization within 3 months of our joining), Bhavani, Goki, K S Rao, Sarma, Babjee, Satyanarayana etc….Bhavani was Andhra samiti’s secretary and was instrumental in collecting Annual/registration fees. Praveen seemed not interested in Andhra samiti and Chakri used to call him Independent man as that was his initial impression (was definitely wrong though). There was a guy named Nani and I was not sure why he used to visit us but was a regular visitor. He was charming, friendly, co-operative and was settled in Durgapur for some time. We used to ask him questions on whether there were any girls in Andhra samithi and how were they and how to approach them whether it was easy etc.. Fortunately he was always positive and encouraging. One day there screened a movie in Andhra samithi and all of us were looking forward to visit. Later there was this Ganesh pooja function during morning and evening. During the Morning pooja, we were introduced to Sachidanandam garu, president of Andhra Samithi, MS Rao (people used to call him Mikasur), Chari, Venugopal etc….All of us were looking forward for that event and especially Sarma, Venkatesh, Sagar myself were part of serving food to the attendees at lunch and it was sweaty.. Venkatesh told me that he was afraid that people would find all the items more saltierJ. In the evening too, we volunteered to serve dinner and then took a lot of photos while trying to grab the attention of some lovely ladies. For reasons unknown, on that day I don’t remember lot of girls coming to the function and when we enquired Nani, he asked us to be a little patient.
Andhra samithi was a very well organized association and brought most of Andhraites together. It has an office cum library in a 16-room hostel. There were lots of cultural and literary events organized every year during all major festivals/events.
The first of such a gathering happened to be during Sankranthi, with Rangoli, songs competition, Dance shows, funny games/events etc. Thereafter followed A FETE in February, Ugadi special programs, Ganesh pooja, Andhra formation Day, Dussera and Deewali. Besides all these, there used to be an annual picnic (during winter-Nov-Jan). This, along with some movie shows once in a while gave ample opportunity to all members to assemble, gossip, participate, win, taste some good food and make new acquaintances. They also had a monthly digest’ Andhravani’ summarizing the forthcoming events.
When our batch joined in Durgapur, we were invited to a party by Sudhakar. He also invited Bhavani (who was a member and secretary of Andhra samithi).
Later this news was published in Andhravani as though the party was arranged by Andhrasamithi. Sudhakar was upset with Bhavani regarding the party since it was his initiative and he had politely invited Bhavani as a friend. But the credit went to Andhra Samithi unfairly and he was not happy with it. There were a series of discussions over the incident, where some people supported Sudhakar”s attitude and some people criticized him for making a mountain out of a molehill.
Sudhakar used to be a very friendly, down to earth guy and was always in a very good mood. One day we were in the mess and he was talking about two individuals, Chakri and Pala. According to him, Chakri was a very decent guy. One day, Sudhakar gave a lift to Chakri on his way to the plant and Chakri was ready to be dropped anywhere in the plant as he could walk down to his department. He did not want to bother Sudhakar to take a different route to drop him exactly where he needed to go. He said” enduku bau neeku antha mohamatam… plantloki enter ayindai modalu.. nannu dimpeyandi nannu dimpeyandi.. nenu nadichi vellipothanu”
On the other hand, Pala, a heavyset guy, would also get a free ride sometimes but appreciated the offer only if he was dropped right in front of his destination. Sushakar recounted, “Now this guy, Pala, as soon as he sat on the rear seat, it was as though my horse had lifted its front legs. Moreover, he has no intention to walk even a few steps – he rather wishes to ride right up to his chair.” Then Pala, laughing good-naturedly, suggested that Sudhakar should get a kid to stand in the front to balance Pala. Then Sudhakar replied that it won’t be sufficient and he needs the crop from the wheel and axle plant that is cut out from the ROUND. Everybody enjoyed the leg-pulling routine and joined in the fun.
Coming back to Andhra samithi, people were of the opinion that our batch was a dynamic team which changed the face of Andhra samithi and brought most of the scattered andhraites together. There was a new momentum in the activities and people were interested to join the club.
I am sure; I will have two to three more bulletins on Andhra samithi as it played some important role in my life.