Madam Ramakumari as I saw her

Madam Ramakumari as I Saw Her

by

Dr Dwarkanath K. Murthy

 

Whenever I handled the classes using the compound microscope, it was the basic principles of physics which came to the fore. Be it the use of the screw gauge, vernier callipers, mirrors of concave and plane type, or the iris diaphragm, most significant was the concept of par focal objectives, the use of oil immersion objective (using oil having the same refractive index as glass, for solving the problem of diffraction), wide or narrow field eye pieces and condenser lenses. It's unfortunate that all this had to be told before students use the microscope. Whether it was UG or PG class, the working knowledgeof the microscope was next to nil, even among the biology students, in-spite oftheir prior exposure to the instrument. Due credit/blame be given to the present intermediate education system. The practicals and grading are an eye wash in almost all the colleges but for those with CBSE background. 

 

We can proudly say we had much better labs way back in 1963.  I would give the full credit to our honourable Mrs. Ramakumari for whatever we have imbibed in the practicals. Mr. Sangam assisting Madam and helping us. I stillremember vaguely, the other experiments on magnetism, electricity, sound- resonance-tuning fork, inclined plane, law of parallelogram of forces etc. The exposure we got was much more one can imagine. Some of these were demonstrated by Mrs. Leelavathi Madam, at a relatively senior level, besides handling all the theory classes.

 

Having visited/ inspected several degree and PG colleges affiliated to Osmania University throughout the Telangana districts I have rarely found any lab comparable to the Physics/ Chemistry/ Biology lab of our own school of1960s. The credit goes to our science teachers with the driving force of Sri. Udapachar, who religiously implemented the multipurpose scheme. Most of our teachers were post graduates too.

 

I do not have any specific incidents to narrate Madam's personal side. It was in early 2000 Madam and myself were co-invitees at a wedding, she asked to drop her home on my vehicle. This was a challenge, as the vehicle was aSplendour (motor cycle) and given our contrasting personalities. Though a bit hesitant, I dropped her home safely, with two factors paramount in my mind i.e. having my teacher as a pillion rider and knowing my physical limitation, that too at 11:30 pm.

Our subsequent meeting was at the Chikkadapally Venkateshwara Temple, which my wife Padmini and I visited on 11 consecutive days in 2005. Madam was also a regular visitor.  It was so kind of her on a specific day when Padmini was performing the 108 circumambulations, Madam was holding the prasadam, patiently waiting till Padmini completed her rounds.  That was the encouragement to her pupil. In fact Padmini, also an alumna, was dear to Madam. We happened to visit her house during this period, she was staying alone in a single room accommodation near the temple, visiting  her children frequently who were away (probably one in US and other at Bangalore). It was routine, those days, for her to scan  today's engagements column in DC and pick up the place to visit for the day and attend discourses.

 

Unfortunately our dream of having her visit our home could never materialise, as we lost touch in busy with our own mundane activities. A few years later,we came to know about her sad demise in a road accident. As the informationof her demise was several months old, we could only pray for the departed soul. Definitely Madam left an indelible impression on both of us. 

 

Pranamas to the departed 

H. N. Krishna Murthy - A Biosketch

REMEMBRANCES

110ᵗʰ BIRTH ANNIVERSARY 

H.N KRISHNA MURTHY, LAg (Hebbal)   

         

Open link for Google photos 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XB47qD3PufBEpkQj7

H N Krishna Murthy (Biosketch)

(6.7.1915 -12.03.1995; 79+)

Advice 

Take things as it comes

NATURE

Wants never exceeded the needs

Principle 

It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple

(Unknowingly followed Tagore's Quote) 

Born in Hiremaglur on July 6th 1915, today happens to be HUNDRED AND TENTH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY of Sri. Hiremaglur Narasimha Iyengar Krishna Murthy (Anna) born to Hiremaglur Narasimha Iyengar and Hiremaglur Lakshmi. Tatha  was working for policd department. Anna was youngest among three, having an elder  brother Sri. HN Ramaswamy Iyengar (dodappa), who worked for municipal coporation and sister Smt. Kamala. (Atte) 

Geni tree is compiled decade back, needs to be upgraded. Sure he would have been happy to see eleven grand children all well settled and seven of them married, and in turn seven great grand children as on date.

Named his house as KAMALA NIVAS as a tribute Atte (See photo)

Passed the SSLC public examination in 1932 having studied at Government High School, Chickmaglur. Around 1923 lost his father (thatha) and thereafter was under care of our dodappa (H N Ramaswamy Iyengar). Moving to Mysore, subsequently completed his LAg (Licenciate in Agriculture) as a border at Hebbal Agricultural College, Bangalore. His was the last LAg stream which changed to BSc (Ag) later. Used to mention often missing degree. His wish indirectly fulfilled by Osmania University, writing his name calligraphically in 10 degree certificates under column father's name.

His notes and text books like Soil microbiology, Agricultural engineering etc, were well preserved for long and along with the drawing board, set square, T square (?), also a camp cot till recent times. All these show his interest in the course, inclined to pursue studies further. If circumstances were congenial he should have pursued and  be full time Agricultural Scientist or an Academician. (had a stint with carpentry during this period, a decorative clock case existed for long.)

Completing his studies, seems to have worked in various agricultural stations, got married in 1943, and continued working at places like Mandya, Goribidnur, Chikkabalapur etc, before moving to Hyderabad in 1950-51. One of the recommendationl letters bore Lal Bahadur Shastrji's name, probably associated with some agricultural institution. Moving to Hyderabad had worked at different places before being appointed as Farm Superintendent, at Hyderabad Agricultural Cooperative Association (HACA). He was alloted spacious farm house, at Tolichowki,  with jeeps & tractors and farms under his control. (See photos collage of Tolichowki) He was transferred to the office opposite to public gardens, and continued as Office Superintendent. 

Moved to a house at Narayanguda in 1956 and stayed there till 1967, for a long period of 11 years. It was during the stay here Satyan, Raghu and Srinu were born. Both  ammayaa and pati had been there for short periods.  An important observation is exchange of letters between Anna and Dodappa, was almost on fortnightly basis, only way of communication other than Trunk call. There bondage was so high, that pati used to describe association as that of Ram and Lakshman. By 1966, when moved out, Prasad had entered graduate class, I had completed my schooling, Sreemathi  in XII by. Other three were in primary classes. It was a luxury to grow among six, uncommon in today's times, (rather can say 8 with two leaving us in 54 and 56.) in small accommodation. Our landlord compounded our problem by switching off the mains by 10.00 pm, a common meter issue, making it difficult, specially when Prasad was in school final. They are very much our family friends even this day. Though accommodation was extremely small (~300 sq ft) the stay was enjoyable and productive.

.

1963  A Crucial Year

HACA had its own problem (being a Telangana institution), it came under liquidation and was designated as OFFICE of the LIQUIDATOR, HACA, this created anxiety and also a search for his alternate employment, offers cropped up at Chitoor or at Nizam Sugar Factory, Nizambad, in any case displacement was an issue, in addition Prasad was in school final, a worrisome situation.  Somehow the issue subsided and Anna, being optimistic and strong willed, continued till formal his retirement in 1983. The main job became working for its re-establishment, attending to Supreme Court proceedings, which became the main activity, besides other business of HACA. After a decade and half the liquidation got lifted and this was nearer to anna's retirement stage, not much beneficial for him. HACA is now doing well, especially having valuable assets by way buildings and housing other related institutions. Had the privilege of sending our seed technology students of Nizam College at one of the institution housed there, in 90s. 

Anna successfully served the institution with all devotion for over 3 decades. Believe it, his commuting was by bicycle ride of 12 km up and down, till retirement. He saw enough of ups and down of HACA but remained indebted. Even I  benefited by having place as overnight shelter for joint study in one of the blocks in 66-67. 

In relation circle Anna was known as HACA Krishna Murthy, as we had three more of his namesake.  He used his good offices for procurement of foreign sugar (sugar ration period) for friends and relatives, including carrying to Bangalore AK. HACA being a government outlet for supply of foreign sugar and textiles especially terelene and tericot  cloth at subsidized rates many used to approach him, including my teaching colleagues.

Anna and Mysore - extended family

Anna's journey has been from Hiremaglur to Mysore/Bangalore to Hyderabad. Apparently remained strongly connected to the roots, don't know how many trips he would have made. Had commitments to pati, dodappa, atte and dodappa's family, which were inevitable. Though Hiremaglur, remained in our initials, we have visited only in recent times.  Periodically we used to get the some farm produce via Mysore, they were under dodappa's care and later dodamma was handling after dodappa demise in 1964. Have no particular idea about farms at Hiremaglur. 

Occasionally pati used to be at Hyderabad for long duration and rarely atte visited. Narendra dodappa's son, cousin elder to me had health issue, and for some period was here under anna's care at our place. Narendra had shown marked improvement, but reasons best known to elders he was back at Mysore. Unfortunately we lost him 1979 at Mysore. Following this atte also breathed her last at Mysore. Around early 1970s pati was here for few years and had her own way, well the service I rendered to her paid rich dividends in my career, a blessing.  She breathed her last at Hyderabad in 1969. All through anna had gastric problem, never compromised on his duties. Was in regular in touch and monitoring Dodappa's family and in contact with dodamma. Both Ramaa's and Loku's marriage were performed with his and ammas blessings at Mysore. Though away from hometown he never gave up his moral and ethical responsibility. When I recollect all these, really wonder how he managed all issues with a smile. Both Ramaa and Loku and family have been reciprocative with gratitude. Dodamma and family were very much at Hyderabad when anna left us. 

Dodappa and atte really need to be mentioned for there benevolence,  unfortunately suffered health issues. Dodappa spent almost three months at KSH following leg fracture, during this period this I could offer small service. He had prophesied that i would be a professor in 50s,  turned out to be true  38 years later. Prasad enjoyed special bondage on either side being first grand child. Atte extremely nice person, was not lucky in matrimony, and was in service to all of us,  keeping track our progress. She passed away in early seventies at Mysore.

Hiremaglur has remained only as an initial and as native place. Unfortunate I do not to carry H as an initial, but feel fortunate to carry Anna's name. (Credit to maternal Tata)

Anna and Akshay Kuteer

He being the eldest second generation in AK group, enjoyed a good stand with good relationship and respect from all. Ramuji mama, Shitti and Chinmamma were far younger, Ramuji mama is supposed to have learnt slokas from our pati. Anna been a part of all functions and activities at AK. Prasad, Sreemathi & Srinivas were born at Bangalore.  Prasad at AK itself.

 The Patriarch of AK along with Rajanna mama, Shitti and Chinmama, moved to Bhusawal, in mid 50s, I had the privilege of being there for two years, an academically productive stint. Satyan was born at Bhusawal in 1958 under Ammaya's care.  Raghu was born at Hyderabad with Ammaya being here. No idea of birth place of Jairam & Mythili. (You can see them in pictures, they were between Sreemathi & Satyan.) Though 600 km away, till mid sixties Bangalore and Mysore were our regular summer camps.

Anna and amma have seen to it,  that we were not isolated from the extended families and enjoyed there blessings.   

His own house at Amberpet  

Looks like it was a long time planning, had bought the property in 1961 as per documents and start to finish construction was in 1966-67. It was a big jump from 300 sq ft to 1600 sq ft house (1500 sq ft plinth, 288 sq ft). Pati used to recite Sudama's story every Thursday for 14 years we believe and the house came up. 

The move to new house has been very aptly greeted by Ramuji mama's in his letter from France (photo). It's here,  all three of us seniors were in college in concesutive years and others at school. BEYOND IMAGINATION. With just two houses in the area, we had no electricity for 10 months, anna mobilised funds for the  minimum deposit by 5 to draw line from main road about 200-300 m away. Some were defaulters, which he never bothered. Subsequently he had been helping others for construction by allowing some to keep construction material for long and guiding them. Served as president of the colony for sometime, fairly involved in mobilization of people. 

All of us completed our education and got into employment over period of time. Anna with, amma's full cooperation managed so well without any lapse right from beginning. Saw all children getting married over the years and kept best of relations with all samandis. He was not rigidly orthodox or ritualistic, moderate. In fact he never bothered about jatakam, but allowed all others to have there way, amma was fully with him. Not much of a place for superstition. Being confident of self, never made statements which he would not stand for. So had no regrets for his actions. His parental role was extended, by involving in Rama and Loku, (cousins) at Mysore in getting married. 

Anna was reserved wherever needed and infact would not entertain excessive questioning, he had reprimanded even during college admission. He commanded respec never demanded. A distinct feature, which some may have observed is, all of us addressed Anna NINGE (plural), rather in singular, may be it was pati's directive. As children we would not have morning coffee withot touching ammas feet. 

BY God grace, anna enjoyed staying in the house he built, for 28 years from 1967 to 1995. Having agricultural background he grew all common vegetables right in front and also some in backyard. He did carry out for few years. Had never seen him idling or broodping over any issue, keeping happy under all circumstances. A tea totaller had no vices including card games. His wants were children's prosperity and kept track on all of us. 

Anna and health issues

We as children never bothered about his health, which was primarily gastroenteritis, quite acute, never used to have second meal, this was for more than a decade. He avoided drastic treatment, weighing against his responsibility and operation being the last chance. It was only after we three seniors were married, he agreed to follow up. Was treated by top gastroenterologist (Dr. CM Habeebullah, HoD OGH, also board member of our Department) in 1980, only person with an endoscope then.  He enrolled him in his ICMR project as a subject, unfortunately the medical treatment didn't work and four months later advised for surgery. He was operated upon  for gastrojejunostomy by Dr.AK Chary, then HoD surgery department OGH, this was in Dec 1980 and successfully came home  after a week in ICU and general ward. it's only then onwards he had dinner along with us with no major issues. Though admitted to AMS for cardiac condition, few years later,  just plugged away the gadgets walked home by himself, without information, he was under care of Dr. Dayasagar Rao, cardiologist who later treated me in 2017. Attitude not to be dependent.

Will power, optimism and simplicity kept him active, always with a smile and neatly dressed any time.

ANNA's influence on Science as career. 

My entry into academic line cannot be a freak, the motivation has come from Anna indirectly. He used crop the science news items in the daily Hindu (subscription was beyond our means) and pass on along with columns on religion, during graduating period. During second BSc he accompanied me,  going round golden jubilee exhibition of OU, especially Genetics Department (I was not a student then) we underwent several simple genetic tests, surprisingly found both color blind, an unusual case. Both were equally exited visting the labs. Another factor was one of the co-plot oowner here was one GMReddy, prof of genetics, unknown to me then. He spent quite a lot of time with Anna in our study room. Casually enquired about me and advised to take Genetics at PG, it was at same year when Khorana got the noble prize. Anna's influence doesn't stop there, two years into my research found that Anna had worked under my mentors father in 1940 (my prof being just 5 then) they met after decades the binding became stronger. In 1973 when proof of my first paper was being checked, my mentor said hereafter whenever you publish a paper, it will be your father's  name which would be cited (Murthy), it continued and I have been called so throughout service.

 

It's not only me, Sreemathi had been in tandem for 11 years from schooling to PG, to research, with small deviation having taken Botany as main and Cytogenetics as optional, and was a better performer than me getting distinction in PG. She also joined for research programme, under well known Geneticist in Botany department. We even shared the Junior Reserach Fellowship in 1973, in the common order. Some how for her it could not click (incompatibility between mentor & student, not to blame either) Six months later she joined teaching, anna had duly interacted with her professors who visited our place, and she was appreciated for her interest, but her PhD remained a dream.

THE FINAL JOURNEY

12th March 1995 Sunday: 

Around 8 am Satyan came up informed about Anna's uneasiness, I saw him  immediately, he was complaining of bloating of stomach, a gastric problem and associated chest pain. Talked for 10-15 minutes and as per his nature asked me to carry on, said being an admin you are free only on Sunday, will get well my own way. His morning schedule of collecting milk and filling up drinking water was as usual. Within an hour or so again was informed at 10.00 am,  lack of any response, and looking for doctor, but it was in vain. He had peaceful departure. His attitude not to trouble any was seen till the last breath.  The last rites were over by 2.00 pm. 

All his good deeds in the present and past  janma was very much evident the way he departed without much pain.

The vacuum was so intense, we realized how predominant his influence was, for everything and anything anna had an answer. Especially looking after Amma, following her health issues in 93-94, was totally his and this realization  donned on us following his absence.

This is a small tribute to him on his 110th Birth Anniversary. Definitely the way he lived, keeping moral values is a lesson to all.

Long live his memory ❤️ 

Amma: This biosketch is incompete without Amma, who had been backing all decisions unquestioned. If I have to describe Amma in one sentence I can say *She cannot be emulated* 

Dt  6th July 2025

COMMENTS 

Professor Saab, our friendship and bond is highly unique. Thank you for the compliments. I am as delighted as you are to have had you as a bench mate. Another great quality of your Father you shared with me and has served me well is, He never delayed paying the school fees even if it meant missing a meal sometimes. I will never forget your passionate way of narrating this to me. Where our generation people felt it a responsibility to educate children and were stressed, people of our parents generation never felt stressed and ensured we got good education and were owning it on themselves. We called responsibility and they thought it was ownership. 

🙏

Prof S Narasimha Murthy 

Louisiana 

School Benchmet 

7th July 2025

Nice detailed recap. A learning curve on taking responsibility, enduring hard work without blaming others and pursuing a simple life to be proud off which is profoundly missing in the later generations.

B N Vijaya Kumar

18th July 2025

[06/07, 3:00 pm] Bharathi IYENGAR: Dear dwarki and raghu

Thank you for beautiful write up n pictures when I entered ak 50yrs ago and my meeting with both the attemamas were memorable chinmama  even today explains he was just 3year. Old when padmakka got married and attambi used to carry me n pet me a lot during one of his visit we took him to Mysore in our car vini was barely dix month old attambi through out carried him on his. Lap solapur attemama helped us during vinis 1st year birthday celebrations both were gentle and soft spoken 

Great tribute to great soul

[06/07, 3:01 pm] H K Raghuram: Bharti aunty, I just forwarded, creator of the wonderful document is Dwarak.

Bharathi Iyengar 

6th July 2025

& Raghu's clarification 

[06/07, 7:13 am] Sudha Sharma: Wow  that's  amazing  Haka Krishna murty tq Dwarki n Raghu

[06/07, 7:41 am] Prakash Iyengar: S, Dr sahab and Raghu, nice way to remember all in one frame.

[06/07, 8:03 am] Shashi Iyengar: Wow!! That word could sum up your ability to write  this wonderful tribute to your beloved father 🙏🏼 The bio sketch about Atte mama was so interesting and inspiring to read. A person who saw the ups and downs of life and such a self made man. You all have such strong bondage to him and very evident in each of your formative years where his role was major to your careers. I remember him having long conversations with Sheenu as they discussed his daily work challenges and solutions. A very gentle and kind person as I remember him. 🙏🏼🤗Thank you Dwarki anna for this wonderful biotech which is a wealth of knowledge about a pivotal person in so many lives. 

PS: Can’t wait to see who you will write about next 😀

[06/07, 8:04 am] Jayanthi Kiran: Wonderful  Dwarki Anna👏👏 I got to know so many new things. A befitting tribute to a great soul👌

Thank you Raghu for sharing this

[06/07, 8:06 am] Prakash Iyengar: When I was in Hyderabad last time, I saw cupboards full of writing of Dr Dwakanath. He inspires all generations. It's difficult to emulate u, Dr sahab.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[06/07, 9:13 am] H K Srinivas: Your wonderful tribute to Anna was exemplary..

Small addition to this great write up, I experienced that

Anna never advised explicitly,  he always  lived his life in such a way and we all followed  in same path. He was available for all of us, including our extended family, when needed

He was a great listener.

 A word about his last moments, I gave a glass of apple juice, he drank and was happy initially, but very soon uncomfortable, I ran upstairs, thinking he would scold and was hanging there, when I got Satyan's call twice and I had to go down. To my great relief, he smiled (maybe he felt that I was tensed because of him as apple juice did not go well, that was his gentleness) I was relieved. Few  moments later he passed away.

[06/07, 9:17 am] Kalpana Prasanna: Thank you Raghu, for sharing this.

To add to everything written, commented, my distinct memory of him,  is  he telling my Amma Appa "Yele marey kaayi aayi indutt pogano".

Another memory, when he visited Solapur when Appa passed away - he quietly started cleaning things in our open showcase shelf, we were all too busy with other stuff, he wanted to lessen this burden for us.

Continue to bless us all, dear Hyd Doddappa (This form of address is something that I certainly remember 💯)

[06/07, 1:44 am] H K Satyan: Dwarak, you have very beautifully described, complied, and written.  Hats off to your memories and  collection of pictures...Definitely Anna and Amma deserves to be honoured atleast this way though we could not give much Comforts.....with due respects and regards...🙏

[06/07, 1:52 am] H K Satyan: Your efforts to be really appreciated...Great job done...Dwarak...😊

[06/07, 1:54 am] H K Satyan: Very great memories of the day...

[06/07, 6:26 am] H K Raghuram: Amazing work Dwarak, don't have words to describe such a wonderful writeup. Went down the  memory lane as I was reading. It is absolutely nostalgic.🙏

[06/07, 7:40 am] H K Narayan Prasad: 👍No words to appreciate the wonderful job

[06/07, 7:45 am] H K Narayan Prasad: Two corrections

Got married in 1942 or 43 (Chinmama was 3 year old ) as I heard mama saying

Pati passed away in 1969

As I remember

[06/07, 8:00 am] Shashi Iyengar: Wow!! That word could sum up your ability to write  this wonderful tribute to your beloved father 🙏🏼 The bio sketch about Atte mama was so interesting and inspiring to read. A person who saw the ups and downs of life and such a self made man. You all have such strong bondage to him and very evident in each of your formative years where his role was major to your careers. I remember him having long conversations with Sheenu as they discussed his daily work challenges and solutions. A very gentle and kind person as I remember him. 🙏🏼🤗Thank you Dwarki anna for this wonderful biotech which is a wealth of knowledge about a pivotal person in so many lives. 

PS: Can’t wait to see who you will write about next 😀

[06/07, 8:02 am] Shashi Iyengar: I remember something about HACA wallets for men. I maybe wrong but was there something like that he would give others?

[06/07, 8:17 am] Shashi Iyengar: Did you just add a few significant pictures or you did you have more to put into album

[06/07, 8:18 am] Shashi Iyengar: I have this