Dailymirror.news,January 22nd, 2025: The book Aapatha Madhuram 2, written by the late celebrated journalist, musicologist, and editor of Hasam magazine, Raja, was launched by his daughters Shreshta and Keerthana.

The event took place on Tuesday, January 21, at the Srinivasa Reddy Auditorium in the KIMS – Sunshine Hospital building, Secunderabad, and was attended by music enthusiasts and notable personalities.

Dr. Gurava Reddy unveiled the book and presented the first copy to renowned music analyst, J. Madhusudana Sharma.

In his speech, Dr. Gurava Reddy expressed, “I have always admired Raja garu’s Hasam magazine and the website he managed. I urge his children to bring back that website. I consider Raja garu to be like Amin Sayani of Binaca Geetmala for the Telugu audience.

I published the first part of Aapatha Madhuram alongside my friend Dr. Bhargavi in Pamarru. It was my brother-in-law, Dr. Varaprasad Reddy, who inspired me to pursue publishing books.

If Raja had stayed longer, he would have likely analyzed songs up to 1971. If Madhusudana Sharma garu takes up this task, I will gladly take on the responsibility of publishing it as a book.”

Guest speaker C. Mrinalini praised Raja’s deep understanding of music. She noted, “Raja garu’s ability to analyze both the musical and lyrical elements of songs was remarkable. He carefully examined the styles of composers and the words of lyricists, which helped us grow our appreciation for music.

His ability to bring together the perspectives of music directors, lyricists, and singers to offer deep insights into songs was rare. His research not only immersed him in music but also drew us in. Including QR codes in this book is an excellent idea, as it allows readers to read and listen to the songs simultaneously.”

Popular music director RP Patnaik shared how he had once envisioned a show called “Pata” to explore the origins of songs. Raja had promised to support the initiative, but unfortunately, he passed away before it could be realized. Patnaik urged Madhusudana Sharma to ensure that Raja’s musical insights are passed down to future generations.

Dr. Varaprasad Reddy, the publisher of Aapatha Madhuram 2, spoke about his deep connection with Raja. He explained, “Raja garu’s immense knowledge of music led me to launch Hasam magazine with him as the editor. Unfortunately, I had to discontinue Hasam due to Raja’s uncompromising nature.

Many still ask why the magazine was stopped, and I clarify that it was because I couldn’t continue it without him. Though Hasam magazine stopped, we still publish books under the Hasam banner.

I commend Raja’s daughters, Shreshta and Keerthana, for their dedication in bringing out this second part of Aapatha Madhuram despite being in the U.S.”

J. Madhusudana Sharma thanked Raja’s daughters for dedicating the book to him, expressing his gratitude for their gesture. Lyricist Bhaskarabhatla Ravikumar also spoke about his relationship with Raja and Hasam magazine.

Raja’s elder daughter, Shreshta, concluded the event by thanking the audience for their support and assured them that Raja’s website would be revived soon.