Environmentalist and Developmental Activist
(Prof Shankar Chatterjee)
Professor K. Purushottam Reddy is endowed with a pure soul as he has dedicated his life to the development of the people. I have known him for many years. Seldom such a person can be seen as he is highly qualified, with a doctorate in Political Science, was a professor at the famous Osmania University, Hyderabad, but he has dedicated his life to environmental protection and the development of all echelons of society. He has crossed 80 years, but his dynamism cannot be compared to that of many youths.
He held various important academic positions at Osmania University, including Professor, Head of the Department, and Chairman of the Board of Studies in the Political Science Department. He was also the Director of the Osmania University’s Centre for Environmental Studies. He is a source of inspiration to many academicians, research scholars, students, common people in general, and social activists in particular. Further, he was a resource person for many Universities and Academic Staff Colleges of United Andhra Pradesh, including Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy Human Resource Development Institute (MCRHRD), AP Judicial Academy, MIT School of Government, Pune, Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) and Center for Cultural Resources Training (CCRT), etc. Professor Reddy Sir is the Founder and President of Citizens Against Pollution (CAP), an Environmental Action Group established in 1985 in Hyderabad. As a member of this group, he independently worked on sustainable development policies, which included activities in areas like policy development exercises, campaigning, and the development of a political agenda. It is pertinent to mention that the New York Times, in its February 6, 1991 edition, mentioned CAP as one of India’s leading Environmental Action Groups.
Struggles for Water: A few lines about his struggle for water are presented so that, at a glimpse, readers can get an idea. Although in the area his activities and struggles are numerous, I am presenting a few cases. Otherwise, a book is required to write here.
- As Advisor, Veligonda Sadhana Samithi, Professor sensitized the people of Prakasam District for the speedy implementation of this project.
- As Advisor to the Jala Sadhana Movement in Mahabubnagar District, he has worked since 1994 on implementing the Kalwakurthy, Bhima Phase I and II, and Nettampadu Lift Irrigation Schemes over the River Krishna.
- He took the initiative and campaigned against Fluorosis in Nalgonda and other districts of united Andhra Pradesh since 1987.
- As a social activist, he was with the Gangavaram fishermen. He explored a complete win-win solution, which the then Government of Andhra Pradesh quoted in its GO issued on the matter.
I had the opportunity to meet him again on November 13, 2024, and I widely interacted with the Professor and learned many things because learning is never-ending. I am a permanent resident of the Libdom Villa campus ( a gated community), Bandalaguda Jagir, Gandamguda, Hyderabad. This gated community is spread over 17 acres of land with indoor and outdoor games, a gym, a park, a swimming pool, a function hall, etc. Altogether, 190 families (a few might be unoccupied) live in this gated community; each has a duplex house and little land surrounding it. In the land, all nurture flowers, some vegetables, fruits, etc.
The most highlighting point is that this gated campus consists of different religions, castes, and languages (people of various States), representing a mini-India in the true sense. Today, all residents, irrespective of the Libdom campus and other residents of Bandlaguda Jagir, Gandamguda, have been enjoying this area because of Professor Reddy. I am simply stating the reasons. Three decades ago, Professor and many others, including T. Sanjeeva Reddy, fought against environmental pollution in this area and protested illegal garbage dumping at Gandamguda so that Gandamguda did not become a Durgandhamguda (means dirty place). During agitation time, Professor Reddy, T. Sanjeeva Reddy, and other residents peacefully came out on the road and adopted Rasta Roko, etc, to draw the attention of the administrators. Here, I wish to mention that T. Sanjeeva Reddy, a resident of Gandamgudawho has been living along with all his many relatives generation after generation, joined the movement to ensure pollution-free living. T. Sanjeeva Reddy is also a scholarly person. Postgraduate (Economics) from Central University, Hyderabad, then completed Law and joined a renowned organization in Hyderabad as a legal advisor and a dedicated person who feels for the community.
(In addition to interacting with Professor Reddy, sir, I have collected a few points from the website e-inspirers.blogspot.com/p/prof-k-purushotham-reddy.html)
(Dr Shankar Chatterjee is a former Professor & Head (CPME), NIRD & PR, Hyderabad, India)
