A Multifaceted "GEM" From Rayalaseema

Raghunath may have not born with a silver spoon, but has inherited golden virtues from a noble parentage. He had a great spark and excelled in education both in India and abroad under great teachers. He faced difficult times during his early days in US, which taught him to adapt his professional skills to suit the changing times. The support received from his wife Smt Prabha garu, was indeed remarkable and gave him fulfillment to his ideals.

The couple soon became role models to many Andhras, who are settled in US. They were the first

to reach out and extend a helping hand to many needy situations. Their bondage to Indian roots are well known and virtually recreated Andhara Pradesh in America. Simplicity and sharing qualities are the hall marks of "Kidambis" and thus added value to their life through social service.

Raghunath was a perfectionist and his professionalism, punctuality and perseverance are well known.as a founder member of Telugu Fine Arts Society, New Jersey, he was the lifetime Editor of "Telugu Jyothi" and immensely contributed to the cause of Telugu Literature. His daughter Usha's wedding and his Grandson Srinath's cradle ceremony celebrated at Hyderabad show his love for Indian roots and traditions.

Smt Prabha garu devoted her spare time in teaching Carnatic Classical Music to several students and rendered great service in the promotion of fine arts in US since 1982. We always stayed at their New Jersey home, which hosted many literary and cultural personalities. Their affections and simple life style made us feel at home.

Kidambis recent visit to India was a pilgrimage to south Indian temples and a fond farewell to all his friends and relatives. On my persuasion, Sri Kidambi purchased a house at Jubilee Hills and became my immediate neighbor, which was converted in to a nursery of hundreds of plants. The fruit bearing and Flower plants greet us every morning reminding of the taste of Raghunath's kind deeds and the fragrance of his friendship.

Our compliments to TFAS for bringing out a Special Issue of "Telugu Jyothi" and for giving us an opportunity to convey our sentiments and kindest memories of this unforgettable personality.