http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/ http://www.eblah.com en http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/m-39601/ http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/m-39601/#num1


]]> Thu, 4 Dec 2008 00:17:33 ntr_fans http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/m-39562/ http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/m-39562/#num1 Sharada(born June 12, 1945) is a three time national award winning South Indian actress. She originally hails from Andhra Pradesh. But has achieved success through Malayalam movies.Initially she has done many supporting roles in Telugu films, later on she moved to Malayalam film industry and gained success there. She is also known as Urvashi Sharada because earlier the National Film Award for Best Actress was officially designated as Urvshi Award.

Early life



Sharada was born as Saraswati Devi in Tenali, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Her parents Venkateswar Rao and Sachyavathi Devi belonged to a family of agriculturalists. She has a brother, namely Mohan Rao. Sharada was sent to Madras in her childhood to live with her grandmother Kanakamma. Sharada describes her grandmother as a strict disciplinarian who in the later days wouldn’t even let the heroes touch her and allowed rehearsals only on Sundays. Sharada started to learn dance when she was six. She used to perform during Dasara and other temple festvals. It was because of her mother's desire that she learned dance. Her mother wanted her to become a big star in cine field. Though Sharada's father was not too interested in the idea, he didn't stop her daughter either.

Early career

When she grew up, she started in acting in theatre, under the supervision of her grandmother. In Indian theatre and cinema, the female lead stars used to leave the field as soon as they are married. So, most of the female lead stars were very young compared to the male leads. Sharada remembers in one of the plays she acted as the wife of a person 30 years older than her when she was just 13 Her debut in films was with a minor role in the Telugu film Kanya Sulkam. However, she returned to theatre after it and did a major role in the Telugu version of Ratha Kanneer, a Tamil drama. The play went to get staged over 100 times in Tamilnadu.

Film career





In 1959, she began her career as Sharada. The change in name was attributed to the presence of a few other actors in the industry with the name Saraswati. She came under contarct to L.V. Prasad, a Telugu producer. Though she didn't get to act in any of his films, she got her formal training in acting under him, including the Navarasa lessons. She largely attributes her performances and growth in the field to this training. Her first break came with the Akkineni Nageswara Rao starrer Mithramithrulu, which was a major hit. Noted for the role in the film, she got chances from Tamil and Malayalam films as well. The year 1965 changed her career as Sharada carved her niche for herself in the Malayalam film industry with her performances in Shakuntala, Murappennu, Kattu Thulasi and Inapravukal. After that, she focused in Malayalam films, acting only a few roles in other languages. Recognition came in 1967 in the form of a national honourary award for her performances in various films of 1966 including Iruttinte Athamavu. The award was the predecessor to the National Film Award for Best Actress, which was instituted in 1968. In 1969, she won her first National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Thulabharam. She went on to win the award 2 more times, for Swayamvaram(1972, Malayalam) and Nimajjanam(1978, Telugu). She also won the Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actress 1 time.

Later she saw success in Telugu films in protagonist roles. She was so popular that she did lead roles in films starring most of the successful heroes of Telugu film industry. Post 1993, she became choosy and did only a few films. Her major films off late were Mazhathullikkilukkam(2002, Malayalam), Rappakal(2005, Malayalam) and Stalin (film)(2006, Telugu).She owns a chocolate factory named Lotus Chocolates. She was elected as Member of Parliament on Telugu Desam Party ticket from her native town of Tenali.

Awards

National Film Awards
Year Award Film Director Language
1968 Best Actress Thulabharam A. Vincent Malayalam
1972 Best Actress Swayamvaram Adoor Gopalakrishnan Malayalam
1977 Best Actress Nimajjanam Narayana B.S. Telugu

Kerala State Film Awards

* 1979 - Best Actress (Thriveni, Thara)

Selected Filmography






* Aata (2007)
* Yogi (2007) .... Shantamma
* Stalin (2006) .... Stalin's mother
* Rappakal (2005) .... Saraswathiyamma
* Sankranthi (2005)
* Mazhathullikkilukkam (2002) .... Anna John
* Anthahpuram (199
* Sabse Bada Mawali (1996) .... Malvika
* Coolie No. 1 (1995)
* Kashmeeram (1994) .... Usha Varma
* Major Chandrakant (1993)
* Mechanic Alludu (1993)
* Pelli Gola (1993)
* Mother India (1992)
* Jagannathakam (1991)
* Killer (1991) .... Guardian of Heiress
* Nayakuralu (1991)
* Kondaveeti Donga (1990) .... Sambhavi
* Kadapa Redamma (1990)
* Lorry Driver (1990)
* Prema Khaidi (1990)
* State Rowdy (1989)
* Dhruvanakshatram (1989)
* Dr. Bhawani (1989)
* Goonda Rajyam (1989)
* Manchi Kutumbam (1989)
* Nari Nari Naduma Murari (1989)
* Pardhudu (1989)
* Raktha Kanneeru (1989)
* Ashwathama (198
* August 15 Rathri (198
* Brahma Puthrudu (198
* Dharma Teja (198
* Donga Ramudu (198
* Illu Illalu Priyuralu (198
* Maa Telugu Talli (198
* Parajaswamyam (198
* Rakthabishekam (198
* Raktha Tilakam (198
* Rowdy No. 1 (198
* Samsaram (198
* Agni Putrudu (1987)
* Bhargava Ramudu (1987)
* Kulala Kurukshetram (1987)
* Lawyer Bharti Devi (1987)
* Muddayi (1987)
* Oru Minnaminunginte Nurungu Vettam(1987)
* Presidentgari Abbayi (1987)
* Ramu (1987)
* Repati Swarajyam (1987)
* Rotation Chakravarthi (1987)
* Samrat (1987)
* Sankharavam (1987)
* Sharadamba (1987)
* Kondaveeti Raja (1986)
* Ansuyammagari Alludu (1986)
* Apoorva Sahodarulu (1986)
* Deshoddharakulu (1986)
* Dharma Peetam Daddarillindi (1986)
* Jailupakshi (1986)
* Khaidi Rudraiah (1986)
* Mr. Bharath (1986/I)
* Muddula Krishnaiah (1986)
* Ravana Brahma (1986)
* Vijetha (1985) .... Saraswathi
* Adavi Donga (1985)
* Raktha Sindhuram (1985)
* Agni Parvatham (1985)
* Bebbuli Veta (1985)
* Bhale Tammudu (1985)
* Devalayam (1985)
* Ee Samajam Maakodu (1985)
* Illaliko Pariksha (1985)
* Intiko Rudramma (1985)
* Krishnagaradi (1985)
* Maha Sangramam (1985)
* Palnati Simham (1985)
* Pattabhishekham (1985)
* Pralaya Rudra (1985)
* Swathi (1985) .... Swathi's Mother
* Thayi Mamathe (1985)
* Alaya Deepam (1984)
* Apanidalu Adavallakena (1984)
* Bharatamlo Sankharavam (1984)
* Bharyamani (1984)
* Bobbili Brahmanna (1984)
* Chadarangam (1984)
* Charitra Nayakan (1984)
* Iddaru Dongalu (1984)
* Janani Janmabhoomi (1984)
* Justice Chakravarthy (1984)
* Katha Nayakudu (1984)
* Marchandi Mana Chattalu (1984)
* Raaraju (1984)
* Rowdy (1984)
* Sardar (1984)
* Ugra Roopam (1984)
* Aalyashikaram (1983)
* Anantham Ajnatham (1983)
* Apathbandhavudu (1983)
* Bahudoorapu Batasari (1983)
* Bandhipottu Rudramma (1983)
* Chanda Sasanudu (1983)
* Durga Devi (1983)
* Kala Yamudu (1983)
* Kaliyuga Daivam (1983)
* Kumkuma Tilakam (1983)
* Kurukshetramlo Seeta (1983)
* Lekhayude Marnam: Oru Flashback (1983)
* Nizhal Moodiya Nirangal (1983)
* Poratham (1983)
* Raghu Ramudu (1983)
* Swarajyam (1983)
* Anguram (1982)
* Jagannatha Rathachakralu (1982)
* Justice Chowdhary (1982)
* Main Intequam Loonga (1982) .... Mrs. Ganga Kumar
* Nipputho Chelagatam (1982)
* Ponmudy (1982) .... Madhavi
* Pratikaram (1982)
* Sindoor Bane Jwala (1982)
* Nyayam Kavali (1981) .... Lawyer Shakuntala
* Prema Natakam (1981)
* Alludugaru Zindabad (1981)
* Elippathayam (1981) .... Rajamma
* O Amma Katha (1981)
* Adhikaram (1980)
* Akalangalil Abhayam (1980)
* Alayam (1980)
* Alludu Pattina Bharatham (1980)
* Dharma Chakram (1980)
* Ivar (1980)
* Kaliyuga Ravana Surudu (1980)
* Kodalu Vastunaru Jagratha (1980)
* Mangala Gauri (1980)
* Pratishodh (1980)
* Rajadhi Raju (1980)
* Ramudu Parashuramudu (1980)
* Sannayi Appanna (1980)
* Sardar Papa Rayudu (1980)
* Swarga Devatha (1980)
* Captain Krishna (1979)
* Ente Sneham Ninakku Mathram (1979)
* Gorintaku (1979)
* Karthika Deepam (1979)
* Pichathy Kuttappan (1979)
* Priya Bandhavi (1979)
* Pushyaraagam (1979)
* Shivamettina Satyam (1979)
* Ward No. 7 (1979)
* Anubhoothikalude Nimisham (197
* Asthamayam (197
* Ithanente Vazhi (197
* Maattoli (197
* Mannu (197 .... Damu's Wife
* Manooradham (197
* Navodayam (197
* Ona Pudava (197
* Reghu Vamsam (197
* Rowdy Ramu (197
* Society Lady (197
* Sundharimarude Swapnangal (197
* Taxi Driver (197
* Amme Anupame (1977)
* Anjali (1977)
* Aparaajitha (1977)
* Aradhana (1977)
* Bhale Alludu (1977)
* Daana Veera Shura Karna (1977)
* Hridhayame Sakshi (1977)
* Indradhanusu (1977)
* Itha Ivide Vare (1977)
* Nurayum Pathayum (1977)
* Randu Lokam (1977)
* Sreedevi (1977)
* Swarganiki Nitchenalu (1977)
* Vishukkani (1977)
* Amrudha Vahini (1976)
* Chennai Valarthiya Kutty (1976)
* Ennai Pol Oruvan (1976)
* Kanyadanam (1976)
* Mahatmudu (1976)
* Mazhai Megam (1976)
* Nimajjanam (1976)
* Paalkkadal (1976)
* Suprabhatam (1976)
* Abhimanam (1975)
* Balipeetam (1975)
* Bharati (1975)
* Ninaithathai Mudippavan (1975)
* Raagam (1975)
* Saubhagyavati (1975)
* Thiruvonam (1975)
* Vykunthapalli (1975)
* Zamindarugari Ammayi (1975)
* Adambaralu Anubhandalu (1974)
* Devudu Chesina Pelli (1974)
* Harathi (1974)
* Oru Pidi Ari (1974)
* Palle Paduchu (1974)
* Premalu Pellilu (1974)
* Radhamma Pelli (1974)
* Thayi Pirandhal (1974)
* Thulabharam (1974)
* Urvashi (1974)
* Abhimanavanthulu (1973)
* Agni Rekha (1973)
* Devudu Chesina Manushulu (1973)
* Enippadikal (1973) .... Thankamma
* Ida Lokam (1973)
* Jeevitham (1973)
* Mallamma Katha (1973)
* Mayadari Malligadu (1973)
* Sharada (1973) .... Insane Woman
* Thekkan Kattu (1973)
* Udhayam (1973)
* Veendum Prabatham (1973)
* Vishali (1973)
* Anveshanam (1972)
* Brahmachari (1972)
* Gandharava Kshetram (1972)
* Gnana Oli (1972) .... Mary
* Kalam Marindi (1972)
* Manavadu Danavudu (1972)
* Maya (1972)
* Professor (1972)
* Snehadeepame Mizhi Thurakku (1972)
* Sree Guruvayoorappan (1972)
* Swayamvaram (1972) .... Seeta
* Aabhijathyam (1971) .... Malathi
* Amayakuralu (1971)
* Chelleli Kapuram (1971)
* Jeevitha Chakram (1971)
* Pagabattina Paduchu (1971)
* Sati Ansuya (1971)
* Sisindri Chittibabu (1971)
* Vilakkuvangiya Veena (1971)
* Ambalaprav (1970)
* Cross Belt (1970)
* Kakka Thamburatti (1970)
* Kuttavali (1970)
* Mindapennu (1970)
* Pasidi Manasulu (1970)
* Pearl View (1970)
* Samaj Ko Badal Dalo (1970) .... Chhaya
* Sambarala Rambabu (1970)
* Stree (1970)
* Tara (1970)
* Triveni (1970)
* Adimagal (1969) .... Ponnamma
* Jwala (1969)
* Kootu Kudumbam (1969)
* Kumara Sambhavam (1969)
* Manushulu Marali (1969)
* Mooladhanam (1969)
* Nadhi (1969) .... Stella
* Sandhya (1969)
* Shri Rama Katha (1969)
* Susie (1969)
* Veettu Mrugam (1969)
* Velliyazhcha (1969)
* Vilakkapetta Bandhangal (1969)
* Vila Kuranja Manushyan (1969)
* Agni Pareeksha (196
* Aparadhini (196
* Asuravithu (196
* Hotel High Range (196
* Kadal (196
* Kaliyalla Kalyanam (196
* Karthika (196
* Karutha Pournami (196
* Kattu Kurangu (196
* Mana Samsaram (196
* Manaswini (196
* Midumidukki (196
* Punnapra Vyalar (196
* Thulabharam (196 .... Vijaya
* Yakshi (196
* Anveshichu Kandethiyilla (1967)
* Arakkillam (1967)
* Chitra Mela (1967) .... (segment "Apaswarangal")
* Kasavuthattam (1967)
* Kavalaam Chundan (1967) .... Sharada
* Mull Kireedom (1967)
* Pareeksha (1967)
* Thalirukal (1967)
* Udhyogastha (1967)
* Archana (1966)
* Bhakta Potana (1966)
* Iruttinde Athmavu (1966) .... Ammukutty
* Jail (1966)
* Kanmanikal (1966)
* Karuna (1966)
* Manikya Kottaram (1966)
* Pakalkkinavu (1966)
* Shrimati (1966)
* Tilottama (1966)
* Chaduvukonna Bharya (1965)
* Inapravugal (1965)
* Kathirunna Nikah (1965)
* Kattu Thulasi (1965)
* Murappennu (1965) .... Bhagi
* Rajamalli (1965)
* Shakuntala (1965)
* Arunagiri Nathar (1964)
* Daagudumootalu (1964)
* Murali Krishna (1964) .... Srilatha
* Vazhkai Vazhvadarke (1964)
* Valmiki (1963/I)
* Kumkumam (1963)
* Thobuttuvulu (1963)
* Valmiki (1963/II)
* Atma Bandhuvu (1962)
* Iddaru Mitrulu (1961)
* Tandrulu Kodukulu (1961)]]> Wed, 3 Dec 2008 08:22:19 Madhu http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/m-38911/ http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/m-38911/#num1
The Telugu cinema, which once had its glorious days, has now become a cesspool of cheap entertainment. Rich thematic and aesthetic values, for which it was once famous, are now largely absent from it. The rise in number of productions and multifold increase in budget are matched by degeneration in aesthetic quality.

In the thirties and forties a whole lot of intellectulals,journalists and writers like C.Pullaiah, Gudavalli Ramabramham, P.Pullaiah, L.V.Prasad and B.N.Reddy brought glories to the Telugu film industry crusading against social evils without overlooking aesthetic and entertainment aspects of a film.

Of them B.N.Reddy and L.V.Prasad were appropriate personalities to be called ‘founding fathers of Telugu film industry’ for the instrumental role they played in veering nascent Telugu film industry in ’40 and ’50 towards reformist zone. Surprisingly both of them were born in the same year and 2008 happened to be the centenary for the duo. In the hustling to maximize returns none of the present crops of heroes and movie association members have any inkling to these legendaries figures centenary year.


Soon after the death of B.N.Reddy in the year 1977, writing an obituary, A.S.Raman, the first Indian editor of illustrated weekly of India says ‘’… he had been a sick man, sick not only because of his physical ailments but on account of the tension and anguish that failure of the commercial cinema in India in general and in Andhra Pradesh in particular had caused him”.

He was one of the most respected pioneers of the quality cinema in the south. Each of the eleven pictures he directed over a period of nearly 40 years is good by any test.

It said in his final days of life he was a frustrated man because he felt unwanted by the industry. He was worried a lot over the erosion of values in the film industry. All of his films are epitomes of idealism, lyricism, and romanticism of that period i.e.30s and 40s.A lot of times he advised newcomers that it is possible to make plenty of money without departing from decency in content and offering the public clean and lively entertainment.

Though he confined to making Telugu films he was as significant national figure and as familiar as stalwarts of Devakibose, Shataram in those days. He proved that the regional films also could evoke the national mood. Devakibose remade BNs ‘’Bangarupapa’’ in Bengali language that was first Telugu film remade into Bengali. Though he dreamt of making films on the lives of Ramanujam and Kshetrayya could not make as conditions were not conducive for his line of thinking.

Life in Brief.


BN.REDDY was born on November 16, 1908 in a family of farmers in Pulivendula taluka of Kadapa district and later migrated to Madras in search of good fortunes. B.N. had his childhood and academic life in Chennai. Though B.N. was the first in the family to start career in films his brothers later followed him, his immediate brother B.Nagi reddy was pioneer of the action film genre in the Telugu film industry and the second one Kondareddy was a cameraman. Though BN studied charted accountancy, the arrival of Telugu talkie had profound impact on him. His foray into Telugu film industry had something to do with his interest in literary activities and his keen interest in acting.

All his films are made under his banner except the one PUJAPHALAM, which he directed for Shabhu films.

He had the credit of Gandhiji watching his action when they played VARAVIKRAYA drama in Chennai and fortune of watching Ravindranath Tagaore acting in a drama when he visited Shanthiniketan.

All his films had local colour.The social theme was his forte. The main object was, not to dramatize the dreary documentary detail but to probe the nature of class conflict in terms of the economic pressure and compulsions. He never went beyond what he was absolutely sure of.

BN made his directorial debut with Vahuni pictures, a production unit he founded in collaboration with his friend Moola Narayanaswamy ‘VANDEMATHARM’ a social film with strong stress on nationalism. The film was instant sensation, such was its impact then Nizam banned it because of its likely impact on his subjects. Since then he had never looked back and went on to direct hit after hit, even though some of his colleagues left his camp midway for personnel reasons.

The jewel in his star-studded fil mography was ‘Mallliswary’ a film set in the spacious days of the Vijayanagara Empire under the reign of Srikrishandevaraya. It was the first Telugu film to cross the Indian border.

It is heard, as the government and filmindursty has not shown much interest in centenary celebrations, BN’ grand daughter (an IFS officer and Ambassador to Thailand) and grand son who is in US throwing are putting in all efforts to make occasion a grand success.

BN died on 8-11- 1977 after prolonged illness.

LIST OF BNREDDY FILMS

RANGULARATNAM(’66)
MALLESWARI(’53)
BHAGYAREKHA(’54)
BANGARUPANJARAM(’65)
PUJAPHALAM(’64)
BANGARUPAPA
RAJAMAKUTAM(’59)
GRUHALAKSHAMI(’3
BHAKTAPOTANA(’42)
YOGI VEMANA(’47)
SWARGASEEMA(’45)
DEVATA(’43)
SUMANGALI(’40)
VANDEMATHARAM(’39)

]]> Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:13:49 Yuvarathna http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/m-38857/ http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/m-38857/#num1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._P._Balasubramaniam



Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam was born on June 4, 1946 in Konetammapeta in the Nellore district of the state of Andhra Pradesh. He is the second son in a family of three sons and five daughters. His father SP Sambamurthy was a well-known exponent of Harikatha.

Interested in music from early on, SPB pursued it with passion. Even during his college days as an engineering student, SPB regularly participated in singing competitions. In 1964, SPB won the first prize in a music competition for amateur singers organised by the Madras-based Telugu Cultural Organisation, and earned his first opportunity from music director SP Kodandapani. From then on, SPB has carried on with undiminished enthusiasm not only as a singer but also as actor, dubbing artist, music director and producer, delighting his fans in all his avatars.







]]> Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:34:35 Yuvarathna http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/m-38819/ http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/m-38819/#num1 ]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:48:53 natasimhambalayya http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/m-34694/ http://www.nandamurifans.com/forum/forum/m-34694/#num1

Naga Naresh Karutura has just passed out of IIT Madras in Computer Science and has joined Google in Bangalore.

You may ask, what's so special about this 21-year-old when there are hundreds of students passing out from various IITs and joining big companies like Google?

Naresh is special. His parents are illiterate. He has no legs and moves around in his powered wheel chair. (In fact, when I could not locate his lab, he told me over the mobile phone, 'I will come and pick you up'. And in no time, he was there to guide me)

Ever smiling, optimistic and full of spirit; that is Naresh. He says, "God has always been planning things for me. That is why I feel I am lucky."

Read why Naresh feels he is lucky.


Childhood in a village
I spent the first seven years of my life in Teeparru, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the river Godavari. My father Prasad was a lorry driver and my mother Kumari, a house wife. Though they were illiterate, my parents instilled in me and my elder sister (Sirisha) the importance of studying.

Looking back, one thing that surprises me now is the way my father taught me when I was in the 1st and 2nd standards. My father would ask me questions from the text book, and I would answer them. At that time, I didn't know he could not read or write but to make me happy, he helped me in my studies!

Another memory that doesn't go away is the floods in the village and how I was carried on top of a buffalo by my uncle. I also remember plucking fruits from a tree that was full of thorns.

I used to be very naughty, running around and playing all the time with my friends. I used to get a lot of scolding for disturbing the elders who slept in the afternoon. The moment they started scolding, I would run away to the fields!

I also remember finishing my school work fast in class and sleeping on the teacher's lap!

January 11, 1993, the fateful day
On the January 11, 1993 when we had the sankranti holidays, my mother took my sister and me to a nearby village for a family function. From there we were to go with our grandmother to our native place. But my grandmother did not come there. As there were no buses that day, my mother took a lift in my father's friend's lorry. As there were many people in the lorry, he made me sit next to him, close to the door.

It was my fault; I fiddled with the door latch and it opened wide throwing me out. As I fell, my legs got cut by the iron rods protruding from the lorry. Nothing happened to me except scratches on my legs.

The accident had happened just in front of a big private hospital but they refused to treat me saying it was an accident case. Then a police constable who was passing by took us to a government hospital.

First I underwent an operation as my small intestine got twisted. The doctors also bandaged my legs. I was there for a week. When the doctors found that gangrene had developed and it had reached up to my knees, they asked my father to take me to a district hospital. There, the doctors scolded my parents a lot for neglecting the wounds and allowing the gangrene to develop. But what could my ignorant parents do?

In no time, both my legs were amputated up to the hips.

I remember waking up and asking my mother, where are my legs? I also remember that my mother cried when I asked the question. I was in the hospital for three months.

Life without legs
I don't think my life changed dramatically after I lost both my legs. Because all at home were doting on me, I was enjoying all the attention rather than pitying myself. I was happy that I got a lot of fruits and biscuits.


'I never wallowed in self-pity'



The day I reached my village, my house was flooded with curious people; all of them wanted to know how a boy without legs looked. But I was not bothered; I was happy to see so many of them coming to see me, especially my friends!

All my friends saw to it that I was part of all the games they played; they carried me everywhere.

God's hand
I believe in God. I believe in destiny. I feel he plans everything for you. If not for the accident, we would not have moved from the village to Tanuku, a town. There I joined a missionary school, and my father built a house next to the school. Till the tenth standard, I studied in that school.

If I had continued in Teeparu, I may not have studied after the 10th. I may have started working as a farmer or someone like that after my studies. I am sure God had other plans for me.

My sister, my friend
When the school was about to reopen, my parents moved from Teeparu to Tanuku, a town, and admitted both of us in a Missionary school. They decided to put my sister also in the same class though she is two years older. They thought she could take care of me if both of us were in the same class. My sister never complained.

She would be there for everything. Many of my friends used to tell me, you are so lucky to have such a loving sister. There are many who do not care for their siblings.

She carried me in the school for a few years and after a while, my friends took over the task. When I got the tricycle, my sister used to push me around in the school.

My life, I would say, was normal, as everyone treated me like a normal kid. I never wallowed in self-pity. I was a happy boy and competed with others to be on top and the others also looked at me as a competitor.

Inspiration
I was inspired by two people when in school; my Maths teacher Pramod Lal who encouraged me to participate in various local talent tests, and a brilliant boy called Chowdhary, who was my senior.

When I came to know that he had joined Gowtham Junior College to prepare for IIT-JEE, it became my dream too. I was school first in 10th scoring 542/600.

Because I topped in the state exams, Gowtham Junior College waived the fee for me. Pramod Sir's recommendation also helped. The fee was around Rs 50,000 per year, which my parents could never afford.

Moving to a residential school
Living in a residential school was a big change for me because till then my life centred around home and school and I had my parents and sister to take care of all my needs. It was the first time that I was interacting with society. It took one year for me to adjust to the new life.

There, my inspiration was a boy called K K S Bhaskar who was in the top 10 in IIT-JEE exams. He used to come to our school to encourage us. Though my parents didn't know anything about Gowtham Junior School or IIT, they always saw to it that I was encouraged in whatever I wanted to do. If the results were good, they would praise me to the skies and if bad, they would try to see something good in that. They did not want me to feel bad.

They are such wonderful supportive parents.

Life at IIT- Madras
Though my overall rank in the IIT-JEE was not that great (992), I was 4th in the physically handicapped category. So, I joined IIT, Madras to study Computer Science.

Here, my role model was Karthik who was also my senior in school. I looked up to him during my years at IIT- Madras.

He had asked for attached bathrooms for those with special needs before I came here itself. So, when I came here, the room had attached bath. He used to help me and guide me a lot when I was here.

I evolved as a person in these four years, both academically and personally. It has been a great experience studying here. The people I was interacting with were so brilliant that I felt privileged to sit along with them in the class. Just by speaking to my lab mates, I gained a lot.



'There are more good people in society than bad ones'



Words are inadequate to express my gratitude to Prof Pandurangan and all my lab mates; all were simply great. I was sent to Boston along with four others for our internship by Prof Pandurangan. It was a great experience.

Joining Google R&D
I did not want to pursue PhD as I wanted my parents to take rest now.

Morgan Stanley selected me first but I preferred Google because I wanted to work in pure computer science, algorithms and game theory.

I am lucky
Do you know why I say I am lucky?

I get help from total strangers without me asking for it. Once after my second year at IIT, I with some of my friends was travelling in a train for a conference. We met a kind gentleman called Sundar in the train, and he has been taking care of my hostel fees from then on.

I have to mention about Jaipur foot. I had Jaipur foot when I was in 3rd standard. After two years, I stopped using them. As I had almost no stems on my legs, it was very tough to tie them to the body. I found walking with Jaipur foot very, very slow. Sitting also was a problem. I found my tricycle faster because I am one guy who wants to do things faster.

One great thing about the hospital is, they don't think their role ends by just fixing the Jaipur foot; they arrange for livelihood for all. They asked me what help I needed from them. I told them at that time, if I got into an IIT, I needed financial help from them. So, from the day I joined IIT, Madras, my fees were taken care of by them. So, my education at the IIT was never a burden on my parents and they could take care of my sister's Nursing studies.

Surprise awaited me at IIT
After my first year, when I went home, two things happened here at the Institute without my knowledge.

I got a letter from my department that they had arranged a lift and ramps at the department for me. It also said that if I came a bit early and checked whether it met with my requirements, it would be good.

Second surprise was, the Dean, Prof Idichandy and the Students General Secretary, Prasad had located a place that sold powered wheel chairs. The cost was Rs 55,000. What they did was, they did not buy the wheel chair; they gave me the money so that the wheel chair belonged to me and not the institute.

My life changed after that. I felt free and independent.

That's why I say I am lucky. God has planned things for me and takes care of me at every step.

The world is full of good people
I also feel if you are motivated and show some initiative, people around you will always help you. I also feel there are more good people in society than bad ones. I want all those who read this to feel that if Naresh can achieve something in life, you can too.]]> Sun, 5 Oct 2008 20:34:27 ntr_jai