Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad   

The right vaccine to perfect health

V.N. Harinath

HYDERABAD: There is a lighter side to BT (biotechnology) man K.I. Varaprasad Reddy who founded Shanta Biotechnics, the makers of Hepatitis `B' vaccine.

His craving for humour and music resulted in the launch of Hasam Club on Ugadi last year. It took off simultaneously at Rajahmundry, Eluru and Visakhapatnam and it now has 15 branches.

Dr. Reddy believes that music and hasyam (humour) play a vital role in a person's life. They provide relaxation to the present-day tension-filled lifestyle, says S.V. Rama Rao, State convener. No wonder the club's slogan is "Anandam panchukundam, arogyam penchukundam" (Let us share happiness and improve our health).

Dr. Reddy launched Hasyam magazine in 2001, but it was wound up in October last year as it was not cost-effective, according to Mr. Rao. He branched out into Hasam Publications in May 2004 and brought out eight books, including one on late director Jandyala, who was well known for comedy-based films, written by Tanikella Bharani.

Hasam Club thriving

Although the magazine was a setback, the club seems to be thriving, going by the pace at which it has been expanding. It is located in Hyderabad, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Jaggampeta, Tuni, Palasa, Bobbili, Saluru, Srungavarapukota, Kurupam (AP-Orissa border), Parlakimudi and Jeypore (both in Orissa started by Telugus). Rajahmundry club is most popular with more than 200 members.

How does one get to Hasam (ha, short for hasyam--humour--sam, for sangeet--music) Club? Anyone with penchant for humour/singing and who can provide a free venue for two hours could launch one. Members can stage skits and render songs and share them with others.

Club meetings are held once a month, preferably on a Saturday or a Sunday. They become sources of free entertainment for those interested in enjoying genuine humour--sans vulgarity--and music. Says Mr. Rao: "We encourage children in 5-10 age group and housewives since they may not find a way out to exhibit their talent."

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