Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Breaking the silence

Samaram and Rashmi help each other pursue their self-set independent goals, finds out P. SUJATHA VARMA

PHOTO: RAJU.V.

GO-GETTERS Rising to the needs of the poor and deprived

His presence charges the air with vivacity just as his brilliant smile lights up the place. Pulling out his right hand thrust in his pocket, he lets out that familiar grin. "Its a refreshing break from the mundane," he says inching towards Aromas, the multi-cuisine restaurant of Hotel D.V. Manor. Unlike others in the medical fraternity, G. Samaram enjoys the privilege of hogging public glare wherever he goes. A doctor by profession, he has his fingers in many pies. It is amazing to find a single entity encompassing multifarious roles of a doctor, an actor (he has acted in five Telugu movies), a social worker, a columnist (on sex education), an atheist, a Rotarian and a writer.

A crusader obsessed with eradication of ignorance among the unlettered in remote villages, Samaram has been successfully influencing the mindset of vast sections that have been falling prey to poverty-induced evils like superstitions. "Social backwardness which continues to stalk Indian society torments me," he says as his wife, Rashmi, looks on.

Modesty personified

Shirking the element of glamour and charisma associated with his name, Samaram gets down to some serious talk on issues like gender bias, science behind sex education and HIV/AIDS. "Fifty per cent of the couples across the State are a dejected lot as far as their sex lives are concerned," he says informing how he is flooded with thousands of letters from these unhappy souls. "Over 50 per cent of the writers are women who have no other outlets," he says munching naan with paalak curry.

After conducting hundreds of health camps, he is still like a child trying to master a new skill by learning, creating and enjoying it. Born in July 1939 at Machilipatnam in Krishna district, to the illustrious couple -- Gora and Saraswathi Gora, well-known freedom fighters, social reformers, atheists and close associates of Mahatma Gandhi, Samaram did his MBBS degree from Rangaraya Medical College in Kakinada and began private practice in Vijayawada in 1970.

Exposed to the simplicity of life in his early childhood, he grew up in a different atmosphere amidst extended family. "My father had dedicated his life and time to the poor and needy. He parted with all his wealth and willingly embraced poverty. Adjusting to every circumstance happily became a way of life for us," he recalls. That's where and how he absorbed true values, the solid foundation that Samaram emphasizes, is the very core of his existence.

Talking about his consanguineous marriage, he says it was Gora's wish and the family was happy since Gora could never advise anything that was not correct. "Naaku maa aavida ante chaala ishtam. (I like my wife very much) I like her for the exemplary courage she displayed when she met with a terrible road accident near Bangalore. A lesser soul might have given up to the ghastly condition," he says fixing his gaze at Rashmi.

Focus area

A woman of substance, Rashmi is the secretary of Vasavya Mahila Mandali, a voluntary organization floated by the Gora family, and has set apart her focus areas. She is on a zealous mission to bring about a positive change in the lives of people affected by HIV positive. She works because she loves it but home is where her heart is.

Their two daughters, Jagathi and Rajatha and four grandchildren, are a great source of energy for the couple. "I like to cook for my grandchildren when I visit their place," says Rashmi even as Samaram chips in: "She makes excellent gulab jamuns. You must taste them to know how good they are," he says like an excited child. Jagathi, also a doctor, is in West Indies while Rajatha lives in Hyderabad.

While some frown at his columns imparting tips on how to experience marital bliss, Samaram goes about his mission to spread awareness with a renewed zeal. At times, responsibilities drag down his passions but he has a solution for almost everything. Making the best of the opportunities life has bestowed on him, he does manage to take time out to smell the flowers.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail