‘Age does not matter when one wants to fulfill one’s dreams’ was one of PM Narendra Modi’s moving remarks during his Mann Ki Baat program two years ago. These words continue to resonate in the realm of national recognition. This observation demonstrates that aspirations can be pursued throughout time regardless of age. Dr. Kurella Vittlacharya, 84, is a man who exemplifies this spirit. His remarkable transformation from a dreamer to an achiever has attracted national attention and admiration.
Not only did PM Modi acknowledge individual accomplishments, but it evolved into a source of motivation for people like Dr. Kurella. The important message was that dreams can come true at any age and that following one’s passions can last a lifetime. Dr. Kurella, a retired college principal from Telangana, was propelled into the spotlight by the national attention he received for his dedication to a unique hobby.
Padma Shri Recognition
The coveted Padma Shri award from the central government marked the epitome of Dr. Kurella’s journey. The entire rural community of Telangana was proud to receive this prestigious award, which not only acknowledged his individual efforts but also brought them together. The recognition of a modest individual’s dedication to literature and education reverberated far beyond personal success, illustrating the significance of grassroots efforts in shaping the cultural and educational landscape. Padma Shri has become a tribute to the power of individual endeavours to have a long-lasting impact on society and a celebration of rural wisdom.
Evolution of Dr. Kurella’s Library
Dr. Kurella’s rise from dreamer to achiever exemplifies a life devoted to reading. His interest for books started to rise when he was in school. Due to lack of money, he started this initiative by borrowing books from his friends. Throughout his life, he had the aspiration of establishing a library with a rare book collection, but it never materialized.
He made a significant change in 2014 when he renovated his humble Yellanki Village home. He built a big hall on the ground floor that was originally meant to hold about 5,000 books. Nevertheless, this was only the start of a remarkable evolution. It was the support of his friends and well-wishers that he successfully made it to a collection of more than 2,00,000 books in his library.
A personal dream, the library is now a symbol of dedication and perseverance. The simple house that Dr. Kurella decided to turn into a haven for literature has grown into a thriving library that attracts book lovers, students, and researchers from all over the state.
A Growing Hub for Knowledge
Dr. Kurella’s library has emerged as a significant centre for education and research, in addition to personal recognition and community pride. The extensive collection attracts scholars from various Telangana universities, including Osmania University and Kakatiya University. Eight research scholars earned their Ph.D.’s on the basis of information gathered from his extensive collection, demonstrating the library’s pivotal role in academia.
His library has an impact that goes beyond the immediate neighbourhood. It has become a focal point for researchers working in a variety of fields, attracting the attention of both researchers and students. The library remains as a demonstration of the significant impact that singular devotion can have on the more extensive scholarly local area.
The journey of Dr. Kurella is not just an individual odyssey; rather, it is a victory for the spirit of learning, perseverance, and community. It reinforces the idea that dreams can transcend time and societal expectations, when they are pursued with dedication and passion. It also serves as an inspiration for future generations. His story becomes a beacon of hope as he continues to grow his library and influence among people, highlighting the transformative power that each person possesses to shape their destiny and make a meaningful contribution to the world. His story witnesses the never-ending dedication to aims and goals, which begins from the transformation of his home into a literary hub to Prime Minister’s acknowledgement of the prestigious Padma Shri award.
