Vijayawada: Veteran journalist Turlapati no more

Vijayawada: SENIOR-most journalist in the two Telugu-speaking states Turlapati Kutumba Rao breathed his last in the early hours of Monday due to a massive heart attack. After he felt uneasy he was rushed to a hospital where he suffered a massive heart attack. He was 89.

He is survived by a son and a daughter. His wife, noted danseuse Krishna Kumari, died nearly four decades back.

Born in Vijayawada in 1933, Turlapati Kutumba Rao started his journalistic career at an early age 14 by writing essays and articles to various magazines and newspapers. Throughout his long career he recorded his every public speech and every article published earning him a place in the Telugu Book of Records which mentioned 4,000 biographies and 16,000 public speeches.

His memoir on his personal experience with 18 chief ministers of the state of Andhra Pradesh right from the first chief minister Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu to Nara Chandrababu Naidu earned him accolades. He published his auto biography in 2012 with the title 'Naa Kalam-Naa Galam' (My Pen-My Voice).

He was honoured by the Central government with the fourth highest civilian award Padma Shri in 2002.

He was bestowed with a number of titles including Pratibha Puraskar, Kala Prapoorna from Andhra University, Guardian of Telugu, International Man of Year, World Lifetime Achievement Award, National Citizen Award and the President's Gold Medal among others.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan condoled the death Kutumba Rao. "A prolific writer and good orator, the multi-faceted Kutumba Rao is a winner of numerous awards and his contribution to Telugu literature and journalism is rich," said the Chief Minister as he conveyed his condolences to Rao's bereaved family.

Harichandan expressed profound grief and sadness at the passing away of Rao on Sunday night in Vijayawada. "Rao is well known for his contribution to Telugu journalism with 4,000 biographies and 16,000 public speeches which won him a place in the world records," he said.

Rao served as the chairman of AP Grandhalaya (library) Parishad and received several awards and honours for his contribution to Telugu journalism and literature.

The Governor prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace as he offered heartfelt condolences to Rao's family members.

TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu said, "Andhra Pradesh lost a multi-faceted talent in the demise of Rao.The numerous awards and accolades he won, reflected Rao's immense talents,"