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By the grace of God
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T. Sarita Reddy and Birad Rajaram Yajnik, authors of `Tirumala Tirupati - The Legends and Beyond', speak about their work
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PHOTO: K. GAJENDRAN
ALL SMILES Best buddies Birad and Sarita at the release function of their book
It wasn't a wedding but a book release function. Yet, the swanky set fluttering about talking of silks, chiffons and jewellery, the glitter of embroidered golden zari, and the shimmer of sequins had another story to tell. Ritzy cars lined at the entrance declared the presence of their owners. Inside, in an ethnic ambience with wick lamps flickering from scooped out coconuts and devotional music playing in the background, the finger food went well with the liquids.
The twinkle-eyed, soft-spoken daughter-in-law was releasing her book titled Tirumala Tirupati - The Legends and Beyond "to surpass her illustrious father-in-law" — as stated by many a speaker as if almost wishing it. He, in turn, made it an occasion to canvass his own good work being carried on for years at Tirumala-Tirupati. There was an uncle who spoke about the 'Sixties when he was the Executive Officer at the TTD. And a close family friend who also happens to be a Minister. There was the author's best pal too who takes credit for his excellent photographic contribution.
Undoubtedly, the function was grand with the city's who's who present at this extended family affair. The only exception was His Excellency the Governor of Andhra Pradesh who was made to retreat without delivering his speech at least thrice. Maybe, only the compere announcing the speakers' names sympathised with his ordeal.
The Hyder Mahal at ITC Hotel Kakatiya Sheraton and Towers was dressed up in divinity. Well, almost. The dais mirrored the book cover in different shades - to suit the various moods - from sepia tone to black-and-white to golden.
Amidst such a divine setting, T. Sarita Reddy, clad in a heavily sequined magenta sari with a gold border, ensured that her work, into which she has put in "a lot of man hours, hard work, spiritual fervour and faith in the Lord", is read only by the crème de la crème of the society.
At Rs. 3,600, you might think it is steeply priced but well, she seems to think otherwise. "If people can spend lakhs towards charitable work, they can surely afford to buy my book," she says.
So, what about those thousands of devotees who wait in the queues for many hours for a darshan of the lord? Sorry folks, a coffee-table book, however spiritual, is not for aam janta. But, Birad Rajaram Yajnik, co-author of the book, comes to the rescue of his best buddy and the book by calling it "an art book which has 250 pictorial representations".
"With the help of the students of fine arts and architecture, the highest quality newsprint and the best printing technology, thanks to Pragati offset printing, this is the best we could bring out in six months' time," says Yajnik. Point taken.
"We are happy with the outcome which was possible because of a dedicated team that came together for a good product in the right time-frame," affirms Sarita. Both want to move on to their next venture but are not certain what it is going to be.
A staunch believer since the age of five, Sarita feels, "God has always shown me the way, He will definitely do it again." As for Yajnik, who encouraged a reluctant Sarita to write the book, "the journey just began and will definitely continue."
While mother-in-law T. Indira Reddy was the major source of inspiration for Sarita by providing her with the necessary inputs, it was the churches in Europe in all their stained glass splendour that inspired Yajnik.
The Tirumala temple, its legends and myths, are but a part of the 200-page book which has chapters on the smooth blending of technology and tradition within the temple precincts, besides unknown places and smaller temples in and around Tirupati, its Ghat roads and scenic beauty. Perhaps, it is true that "you can't pay a price to God and devotion," as Sarita puts it and "there are people who want to buy a good quality book not just in the country but globally too," as Yajnik feels. Interested? So what if it is not the seventh in the Harry Potter series? Just book your copy now.
Shanti Nanisetti
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