‘Paataladinda Parvataverida Rudramma’

Mysore/Mysuru: A rare book written by a husband about his wife, ‘Paataladinda Parvataverida Rudramma,’ authored by former MyLAC Managing Director Nagendra Ravanikar, was released at R.R. Farm on H.D. Kote Road in city recently.

The book was released by retired Kannada Professor Dr. H.M. Kalashree.

Speaking after releasing the book, Dr. Kalashree said that the book written by a proud husband about his wife is both a biography and an autobiography.

Writer’s wife Rudramma, who hailed from a poor background, has the credit of introducing Home Science in Yuvaraja’s College, Mysuru. Home Science was later renamed as Department of Food Science and Human Development. Rudramma, by providing a building to this Department, brought both recognition and dignity to the Department, said Dr. Kalashree.

Continuing, she said that Rudramma, who lost her mother when she was a kid, suffered shame and humiliations. She took all of them as life’s challenges and rose to great heights in her career.

“Unable to understand the reason for the death of mother, Rudramma nursed ambitions of becoming a doctor. Though she couldn’t realise her dream, she became a Professor in Mysore University and retired as the Head of Department. Though she was qualified to become Vice-Chancellor of University, the prevailing system didn’t allow her to occupy the coveted post,” regretted Dr. Kalashree.

Prof. Komala Gangadhar, Chairperson, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, who presided, said that Rudramma became a Professor at a time when Dalit women received little encouragement.

“It was Dr. P. Selvie Das, former VC of University of Mysore who encouraged her,” added Prof. Komala and recalled that her present position in the Department of Food Science was possible due to the mentoring of Rudramma while doing her Ph.D.

Advocate S. Arunkumar presided over the event. Author Nagendra Ravanikar, his children Chetan Ravanikar, Nitin Ravanikar and grandson Dr. Chatur Ravanikar were present. Ganesh Amingad  of  Kavitha Prakashana anchored the programme.