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Relentless travellers

John Prasad and Sujatha are making the best of their action-packed lives, says K.N. Murali Sankar

DELIGHTFUL PACKAGE The family members complement one another in the best possible way Photo: Raju. V.

Relaxed evenings and exciting weekends provide them the vigour to overcome the pressures of a hectic work schedule ahead. Though busy with their jobs, the couple knows how to make the best of the available time and give the children their due share of attention.

G. John Prasad and Sujatha prefer to spend their leisure with their two daughters Ankita and Ananya. Prasad is senior divisional commercial manager in South Central Railway, while Sujatha is an agriculture officer at Hanuman Junction.

A native of Narsapuram in West Godavari district, Prasad opted for Indian Raiwlays in 1987 after completing his post graduation from Hyderabad Central University. He joined the South Central Railway in 1990 after completing a three-year training programme. He also worked in Secunderabad and Nanded before coming to Vijayawada two years back. After completion of his first year in the railways, he married Sujatha, a native of Bhimavaram in West Godavari district, but settled in Hyderabad.

Supportive spouse

"I saw her first at my in-law's house," recalls Prasad savouring American chopsy at Aromas restaurant of Hotel D.V. Manor. Sujatha was in the final year of BSc (Agriculture). "Ours is an arranged marriage. He encouraged me to complete my studies and secure a job, besides providing full support to pursue my other hobbies," says Sujatha relishing vegetable fried rice. She loves painting, gardening, flower arrangement, photography, interior designing and music. Reading books and magazines is a pastime even as she tries her hand in variety of dishes. She also participates in competitions conducted by the Railway Club. "Since I cannot do any of these things, I feel I should encourage her in fulfilling her hobbies," says Prasad.

Once a voracious reader, he finds it difficult to find time for reading now owing to his tight schedule. Whenever he has time, he prefers to sleep, complain Ankita and Ananya in unison. They are studying ninth and sixth standards in Nalanda Public School.

Movie buffs

The family stayed in the railway quarters, which were close to Sangeeth theatre when Prasad worked in Secunderabad. The children had a whale of a time watching the spine-chilling English movies.

"We like watching movies but the bad condition of the theatres here is an irritant," says Sujatha. Prasad's yearlong stay in Germany on an official training programme in 1999-2000 is an unforgettable experience for the family. Sujatha and the children joined Prasad for three months and they visited entire Europe. Prasad's attempt to recall an interesting tale has Ananya burst into giggles. She covers her face with her mother's sari.

The family visited a museum. Ananya, who was just five, was tired and hence, sat on a sofa. The sofa was not meant for the visitors but it was one of the exhibits in the museum.

The little girl's innocent act almost triggered a panic when alarm bells began to ring and the automatic cameras began capturing her image. Prasad had to explain to the security personnel about his child's act to calm them down. "Germans are hardworking. A close observation of their style of functioning instils confidence in us that we can also do it," says he.

Inspired by the cleanliness there, he insists that the children keep their vicinity clean. As both of them love travelling, the couple has covered entire South India and has plans to go sight-seeing across the country. The family is leaving for a 10-day tour to Kashmir to make this summer cooler. Ananya has a yearning desire to go around the world. The girl is keen on seeking an entry into foreign services, as it will help her chase her dream. Ankita is an admirer of India-born astronaut Kaplana Chawla and wishes to soar into the blue skies. "We are confident about their talent and skills," says the couple.

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