110th Birth ANNIVERSARY of HNK MURTHY

110th Birth ANNIVERSARY 

H.N KRISHNA MURTHY, LAg (Hebbal) 

Open link for Google photos 

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

Life and Times of H N K Murthy

(06.7.1915 to 12.03.1995; 79)

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. He was youngest among three, having elder brother Sri. HN Rangaswamy Iyengar and sister Smt. Kamala. 

Have compiled  geni tree a decade back, have to upgrade now. If I look at the pedigree, Ranjit, second generation SIL has to be added and would be 39th person.

 

He named his house as KAMALA NIVAS as a tribute her. (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 Rangaswamy Iyengar). Moving to Mysore, subsequently completed his LAg (Licenciate in Agriculture) as a border at Hebbal, Bangalore. His was the last LAg stream which changed to BSc (Ag) later. Used to mention often. His wish was indirectly fulfilled by Osmania University by calligraphically inscribing his name in 10 degree certificates as father's name.

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

Following his studies seems to have worked in various agricultural stations, got married in 1946, continuing work at places like Mandya, Goribidnur, Chikkabalapur etc, before moving to Hyderabad in 1950/51. One of the recommendationl letter has Lal Bahadur Shastrji's name, probably associated with some agricultural institution. He worked at different units, finally appointed as Farm Superintendent, HACA, at Toli Chowki, and was alloted spacious farm house, with jeeps & tractors and farms under his control. May be he was moved to the office opposite to public gardens, and moving to a house at Narayanguda in 1956. Stayed there till 1966-67, 11 years,  around 300 sq ft plinth. 

It was during stay here Satyan, Raghu and Srinu were born. Both  ammayaa and pati have been there. An important observation is the exchange of letters by way of postcards between Anna and Dodappa almost fortnightly basis, cheapest communication mode. There bandage was that of Rama and Laksnmana as quoted by pati herself. Unfortunately we lost dodappa in 1964.

By 1966 end Prasad had entered graduate class, i completed my schooling, Sreemathi in XII.

It is a luxury to grow among six in today's times, rather can say 8 with two leaving us, in 54 and 56. Greatest act was the landlord used to switch off mains beyond 10.00 pm, finding difficult when Prasad was in school final. They are very much our family friends even this day.

1963 critical year

HACA had its own problem (being a telangana institution), it came under liquidation, and labeled as office of the liquidators, HACA, this created anxiety and also search for alternate employment, an offer cropped up at Chitoor or in NIZAM SUGAR FACTORY, Nizambad, in any case displacement was an issue, in addition Prasad had come to school final, a worrisome situation.

Some how it subsided and Anna continued till formal retirement in 1980, though the main job was working for its reestablishment via SC, so this became the main activity besides other business of HACA, ironically the liquidation got lifted nearing his retirement stage, but not much beneficial. Now HACA is doing well especially having assets and running other 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 his transport was his bicycle ride of 10 km up and down, till retirement. Had seen enough of ups and down of HACA.

HACA gave me a overnight shelter for joint study in one of the blocks in 66-67.

In relation circle Anna was known as HACA Krishna Murthy, because we had two namesake. 

Used good offices for procurement of foreign sugar (sugar ration days) for friends and relatives, including carrying to Bangalore AK. HACA was government outlet for supply of foreign sugar and textiles especially terelene and terricot cloth at subsidized rates.

Anna and Akshay Kuteer

He being the eldest among his generation enjoyed a good stand, Ramuji mama, Shitti and chin mamma were far younger, Ramuji mama was supposed to have learnt slokas from pati.

Has been a part of all functions and activities.

Prasad, Sreemathi & Srinivas were born there, Prasad at AK itself. The Patriarch of AK along with Rajanna mama, Shitti and chinmama, had moved to Bhusawal, in early 50s, I had a two years academically productive stint there and Satyan was born at Bhusawal in 1958. Raghu was born at Hyderabad and Ammaya was here.

No idea of birth place of Jairam & Mythili. (You can see them in pictures), both elder to Satyan.

Though being away at Hyderabad. Till mid sixties Bangalore and Mysore were our summer camps. 

Anna and Mysore family

 

Advice 

Take things as it comes

His desires

His wants were never exceeded the needs

Principle 

It is simple to be happy, but difficult to be simple followed in his life time. Happens to be Tagores quote.

Absolutely no vices, even a card game

Pedigree....39 so far

Influence to remain science stream 

My entry into academic line not a freak, the motivation has come from Anna indirectly. He used crop the science news in the daily Hindu (subscription beyond means) and pass on along with columns on religion during graduating days. During second BSc had taken him round golden jubilee exhibition of OU especially Genetics Dept (was not a student then) we underwent several simple tests, surprisingly found both color blind, 

Booth were equally exited. Another factor was one of the coplot owner was 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 Khorana got the noble prize. Anna's influence doesn't stop there, two years into research found that my father worked under my mentors father in 1940 (my prof being just 5) once they met after decades the binding became stronger. In 1973 when our paper proof was being checked, my mentor said hereafter whenever you publish a paper, it will be his name to be cited (Murthy), it continues and have been called so throughout service.

 

Anna and health issues

House construction at Amberpet 

Three at a time in degree courses

Commitment to pati,  dodappa and his family

12th March 1995 Sunday in the early hours at 8.00 am he complained about uneasiness and gastric chest pain, went and saw him 

Peeping through the Microscope

 Peeping through the Microscope

Mrs. Padma Prasad [NE Padma] (Botany Teacher)

 

           Eleven of us 66rs meet Math & Botany

                  teachers in 2012 after 46 years.

A Lab work from home in 1984-85

A lab work carried at Home

It was a chance discussion with a colleague Dr. P Hanmanthu, from chemistry Department at Nizam College gave shape to this paper. He happened to be my BSc classfellow in 1969. He was curious that I study effect of a compound Benzamidazole on biological system. The compound happened to be synthesized by senior professor Dr. C A Vijayalakshmi, in 60s as a part of her doctoral work at Nizam College. With no specific lab facilities available in my department, thought why not follow it up at home. I had accessibility to Microscope and minimal glassware and chemicals, being in-charge of the department of Genetics. As the department was not congenial with rodents moving around and poor conditions shifted the venue to home and carried out the experiment, microscopic analysis and compilation of data. It was our good fortune to have good positive results.

Having got the idea and materials from Dr.P Hanmanthu, had him as a co-author and published the same in Current Science, prestigious peer reviewed journal from Indian Academic of Sciences. 

So taking it as a challenge I could work from home way back in 1984-85, proving my mentor's words if you can work place or circumamstaces cannot stop one.

Duly acknowledged the authorities and college.

Anna's health & Operation - A domestic challenge

Anna suffered chronic stomach ache for over 2 decades and never had a second meal a day from 1960 to 1980, it was a normal practice for all six of us and amma to have our dinner without him. If at all any attempt was made he used to suffer, resulting in gastric problem followed by vomiting. This led to  irritation and violent nature some times. Neither he could stand his mother because of her attitude. All attempts of treatment were in vain and never wanted to get operated fearing the risk and family responsibility.

It was only after Sreemathi, Prasad and my marriage in 1979-80, we forced him to go in for treatment which he reluctantly agreed. I had taken him to Dr. Chitur Mohmmed Habibullah the top most gastroenterologist of 80 & 90s. He happened to be associated with our department and later stages on our board and was a research supervisor in Genetics. He was the only one and FIRST to use endoscope, available only at OGH. He had a project on gastroenterology funded by ICMR. Anna became a patient and one of the subject in the project in 1980. He had several rounds of examination causing a big discomfort during endoscopy. The treatments did not work out due to the chronic block in the intestine.

CMH gave it up and advised to go in for surgery for Anna by the head and chief surgeon Dr. AK Chary of OGH. Because of departmental (genetics) background things were little smooth. Got Anna admitted in the University ward at OGH, and was posted for operation on 3rd December 1980 (six months later to my marriage). As scheduled he was wheeled to the OT, me, Prasad were waiting for Anna to be wheeled back post operation.  As we were waiting we saw Anna in the front room of OT on the stretcher. On enquiry Anna said that he was not moved to OT at all. Then Dr. Chary came out of the OT with his team and apologised that he could not conduct due to non cooperation of Anaesthetist, as his time was up. Dr. Chary advised to get it done by the second in command Dr.  Waliuddin, I requested that only he should do it. He fixed up a date 15 days later but was deferred later.By this time Anna was getting so impatient that he wanted to be discharged instantly. I had a very tough time to follow up the formalities. The reason for anna's distributed condition was not postponement, but a fellow patient  in the ward, a technician from our Physics department had passed away the previous day.

Anna was successfully operated for  gastrojejunostomy on 30th of Dec, 1980, by Dr. Chary and shifted to ICU. It was the most tension filled moment for me till the next day as he was under sedation from the time he was wheeled out of the operation. I was to see him early morning, with highly charged atmosphere , reached the hospital at 6 am in the biting cold, wearing my marriage coat for the first time after the event. I was relieved from anxiety to find anna relaxed and convulsing. My fear besides myself was to answer my siblings.

He was operated upon for  gastrojejunostomy, a 10" piece of the intestine was removed. An 8" stitching scar was for ever on the abdomen. As per CMH sir's advice I got him shifted to general ward, as he stressed on the availability of 24 hr vigilance  unlike University ward. Got him discharged on the 7th day. Only after this point he used to be their at dinner table till his last day.

During the operation though he was on general anaesthesia he was aware of discussion amongst doctors mentioning that the patients son was a faculty in Genetics. Taking a lead was risky as consciously I was answerable to all at home.

Now came Padmini's role in nursing him extremely well for over one month, in spite of loose talks. She even was commented upon that Anna got all this problem after our marriage. Amma left to Bangalore on Sreematis call as Lekha was just few months old. The senior couple went on holiday. The kitchen management, cooking for 6 was Padmini. The amount patience and her tolerance was very high, the credit should go to her father for timely advices. No body can counter this document, all except amma and Sreemathi are not around.

The entire cost of the operation was Rs 40 towards that too the tip to ward boys. 

PS: I am grateful to both late Drs. Chary and Habeebullah and OGH.

Dr. Chary minted money with private practice and it's said he dumped money in tank bund when he was haunted. Dr. CMH turned out to be a top molecular biologist and has left behind scores his of  students. He served at Deccan Hospitals, established lab and is even responsible for sequencing the entire genome of a virus. Both have made their eternal journey.

Written on 15th June 2015

Comments 

Good evening sir

I went through this overwhelmingly poignant narrative. The whole episode was a reflection of perseverance, optimism and positive thinking that ultimately leads to success . Here these were reflected in your father's successful operation and how he returned back to normalcy with his daughter - in-law's post operative care . It was sheer delight to know that he joined all of you during dinner post operation . All was hunky dory eventually.

And for Padmini Ma'am? 

I have deep respect. A woman has to confront much discomfort in her initial years of marriage in most Indian homes but she steered clear of all negativities by dint of her calm resolute nature and of course by her husband's deep love for her who stood beside her like a mountain...am I wrong sir ?

Kaberi Chattopadhyay 

14th April 2025

Feel Enlightened - Red Robin Tree

 

My Saga with Genetics Department

My Saga with Genetics Department 

Dwarkanath K Murthy

The department of genetics at Osmania University was founded in  1966 by Professor O S Reddi, evolving from a radiation biology unit of zoology department, with the recommendations by Homi J Bhabha and blessings of then chief minister Kasu Bhrahamand Reddy and lead by visionary Dr. D S Reddy the then Vice Chancellor of OU. Had the advice of Doyen Dr. M S  Swaminathan time to from time,  who visited the department couple of times. The department was the first of it's kind in any traditional University in the country to start a full fledged course offering MASTER OF SCIENCE degree in GENETICS.

Stimulus to join GENETICS

It gives me a great pleasure to celebrate my 50th year association with the University, having enrolled at Saifabad College in 1966 for BSc l,  and 47th in the department, enrolled in 1970 in the fourth batch MSc genetics course.

It was during my II BSc in 1968 - the Year HARI GOBINAD KHORANA was awarded the Nobel prize, I got in touch with GM Reddy who came to my residence to meet my father, he being a neighbouring plot owner. GM had just returned from 12th international congress at Genetics at Tokyo,  1968 - these were the stimuli to join the course. It is around at the same time the OU celebrated golden jubilee and the outstanding department was ours, with the most interactive and colourful practical display. I visited the same along with my father, we were exposed to the novel experiences. T Padma was the one explaining the blood grouping and testing for colour blindness, ironically both me and my dad were found to be colour blind, a rarity. The segregation patterns in maize cobs the most fascinating one  showing mathematical distribution, was explained by Dr. Bharathi, now in US, Padma & Bharthi were class fellow from first batch. The next fascinating thing was the use the tiny fly DROSOPHILA, which I had never noticed earlier, used as an important tool in Genetics was demonstrated by Ramachander &  Uma.  The best part of the department was the RADIATION LAB with upto date vinyl flooring, the  Geiger muller counter, robotic control for handling radioisotopes,  etc, way back in 1968 was much in advance to the day. Dr. Krishna now in US was the enthusiastic showman. Highlight was the Cobalt-60 source catering to South India for radiation experiments. Seeing all these under the dynamic leadership of OSReddi and ably supplemented by GMReddy and team of teachers including Polasa and others, I never felt like missing a chance. I was fortunate to make it in the first list. Rest is a history of my 47 years association with the department.  

The whole picture of my student days comes alive in front, the virtual images may be in black and white, with all my 10 teachers driving us to make us understand GENETICS. We were 11, a proud lot as the course was not offered anywhere in the country. The only other place in Hyderabad with some genetic work was a lab in the then RRL (IICT) now CCMB. Hope the present generation would look at the department in a historical perspective and appreciate the vision of Prof.OS Reddi and Prof.GM Reddy and six dedicated teachers drawn from various places, MSRao, Hanamanulu Polasa, SSubramanyam, JSMurthy, MCPadma & TPRedddy. M Krishna  and Ebenezer officiated as RPO & Animal curator respectively. By the time I enrolled as student we had KVaidyanath & TPadma the first batches serving as teachers.

THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN THE SOURCE FOR CREATION OF DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY, INSTITUTE OF GENETICS & HOSPITAL FOR GENETIC DISEASES, CENTRE FOR PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, UNDER GRADUATE DEPARTMENTS AT NIZAM COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FOR WOMEN and has several recognised centres for research, besides departments at affiliated colleges of OU

DEPARTMENT COMPLETES FIFITY YEARS

Today in it's "FIFTIETH YEAR" GENETICS DEPARTMENT is holding the uniqueness in research, publishing 50-60% of the papers of science faculty with 13 departments. The only crippling factor is the dearth of staff, which is a bear minimal at 8, this is of course a phenomenon with all departments of the University, mainly due to lack of recruitment over period of two decades. At one point of time the department could boast of 26 staff,  with 50% being professor. Positions left vacant were never filled up proportionately. The state and central (UGC-MHRD) government play this role. Hope this would improve.

The department has the best of the equipment worth crores with  up to date infrastructure. Projects worth a crore are operated in spite of dearth of senior faculty commensurately.

I Had the privilege of spending my first 11 years in the department and next 28 years at prestigious Nizam College and returning back into the parental fold to HEAD the department  (2008-2009) till superannuation. Had an  opportunity to be back with the Nizams for 4 more years at the behest of the VC to assist in operating a DBT project, besides heading three UG departments. I Continue to be associated with the department for  past seven years, post superannuation as a research supervisor. 

GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS & CONFERENCE 

On the 27 and 28th of February 2017 the department organised as a part of OU centenary, Golden Jubilee of Department a two day seminar on MOLECULAR INSIGHTS IN GENETICS & BIOTECHNOLOGY - EMERGING TRENDS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS 

AT THE OU FELICITATION FUNCTION FLANKED BY PROF.ROJA RANI, HOD GENETICS; PROF.T PARTHASARTHY , DEAN UGC AFFAIRS OU, PROF. S. JITHENDER KUMAR NAYAK, VICE PRINCIPAL, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE OU. 28th FEBRUARY 2017. MEKASTER AUDITORIUM

A BRIEF REPORT OF THE FUNCTION

The highlight of the function was to felicitate the retired HEADs OF THE DEPARTMENT and professors associated from 1966 onwards. 

We were not lucky to have our founder revered OSReddi, due to his advancing age at 89. Rich tributes were paid to him with his profile and picture duly projected. He was quoted for his contributions by most of the speakers. 

This was followed by remembering those who have left us with presentation of their picture and profile. The foremost among them was late Professor Gujral Madhav Reddy (1933-2009) affectionately called GM, one could call him the COFOUNDER along with OS, also responsible for creation of an autonomous body CENTRE FOR PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - CPMB.

This was followed by tributes to late Professors M Sanjeev Rao, S Subramanyam, JS Murthy, K Vaidyanath and MC Padma (remembered by her student)

Following Former Prof. & Heads felicitated:

T Papi Reddy(78)

T Padma(70)

M Vishwanath Reddy(79)*

P Hanmanth Rao(72)

S Y Anwar(68)

P B Kavi Kishor(64)

K Prabhakar Rao(67)*

Dwarkanath K Murthy(67)

Mohd Ishaq(67)

S Prabhakar Rao(67)*

S Vishnupriya(64)*

Prathiba Nallari(60)

Professors (Retired) Fecilitated

P P Reddy (74)

Y R Ahuja (87) (continues as a  Research director at Vasavi Medical Centre)

D Manohar Rao (70)

A K Sarala(67)*

Padma Balaravi(64)*

M Sujatha (70)

L Anand Reddy(72)

S Rambhav (70)#

------------

*could not attend

#Prof of Biochemistry associated with department for decades

The chief guests during felicitation were Prof T Parthasarthy, the Dean UGC affairs, OU, Prof Jitendra Nayak, Vice Principal, University College of Science OU, ably convened by Prof Roja Rani incumbent HOD and organised by Dr. SOMESWAR Rao, dynamic Assistant Prof of Genetics, an alumni of IISc. 

The department has enrolment of over 100 doctoral students scattered across various institutes, besides research associates at various levels, post doctoral students numerous projects funded by state, central and foreign agencies and scores of Assistant Professors on Contract (not a healthy sign) assist the 8 permanent faculty.

All the colleges/institutes which are associated/affiliated were duly represented in large number. Quite a few senior professors hold emeritus status and many contribute honorarily 

The entire proceedings of felicitations and two day conference was anchored by dynamic Assistant Prof JYOTHI of University College for Women OU. Credit of the successful deliberations should also go to good anchoring. Specially she was able to add spicy adjectives to the 30 odd CVs which she was flooded with.

The above account is only the small fraction of felicitation of the two day affair. The ultimate function was felicitation of Prof Prathiba on her Demitting the office following her superannuation. Prof. Prathiba had a glorious career with 140 publications 22 PhDs and several awards. (Prof JS Murty her mentor may be showering the blessings from heaven)

Some more names we could recollect, associated between 1966 and early 70s

Dr. Mathews (Teacher associated during inception)

Dr.Hanumanlu Polasa (Founder of microbiology department & Registrar OU)

Dr.MC Padma (late) (Tribute paid by Ishaq, ex-HOD)

Dr.DN Ebnezer    Animal Curator

Dr.Maryala Krishna, ex-Radiation Protection Officer

Dr.S Niranjan Goud, ex-Radiation Protection Officer/Assistant Professor 

Dr.K Rama Subba Reddy, Chemistry Prof associated with Genetics 

Dr.C Subramanyam, Professor of Biochemistry originally with Genetics

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