Selfless service, unwavering commitment to the people, and steadfast dedication to the cause of social justice.
IT has been 25 years since Moturi Hanumantha Rao—affectionately known as "Comrade MH" in Communist ranks—passed away. Yet the path he charted, the articles, commentaries, and books he authored, and the speeches he delivered continue to inspire and remain an enduring part of history. Born in 1917 and passing away in 2001, he served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, a Member of the Legislative Council, and later as a Rajya Sabha member, consistently acting as the voice of the oppressed in these legislative bodies. He earned recognition as a distinguished political leader and editor in the Telugu-speaking region. He was also elected to politburo of the CPI(M) and served as PBM from 1998 till his death in 2001.
He was a steadfast warrior who fought to uphold the ideological purity of communism against both extremist and moderate deviations. Hanumantha Rao—often described as 'Savyasachi' (one capable of using both hands with equal skill)—made multifaceted contributions to public life. He fought battles in the public arena and within legislative forums while simultaneously wielding his pen with remarkable precision. Renowned for his incisive criticism and powerful speeches, he possessed the rare ability to expose flawed arguments and challenge opposing ideologies with clarity and conviction. As an orator, he was truly unparalleled.
Prajasakti occupies a special place in the history of Telugu journalism. Although it had been published as a periodical since 1968, the decision was later taken to transform it into a daily newspaper. It was inaugurated as a daily on August 1, 1981, by the then General Secretary of the CPI(M), Comrade E M S Namboodiripad. Given the technological limitations of the time, it initially relied on letterpress printing.
Soon thereafter, a decision was made to adopt the then newly introduced offset printing technology and shift operations to a new building. The late Katragadda Srinivasa Rao and his wife Venkatalakshmi generously donated the land for the construction of the building. On May 1, commemorating Comrade Puchalapalli Sundarayya's birthday, Prajasakti began printing from its own premises, embracing modern technology. It became the first Telugu daily newspaper to be published using offset printing technology, launched under the leadership of Comrade MH.
Comrade MH was always at the forefront of technological advancement. The unveiling of the Prajasakti website—built entirely on modern open-source technology—on June 18, his death anniversary, is another fitting tribute to his memory. Open-source solutions were also developed for Prajasakti's editorial operations, and today such technologies are widely used across the Telugu newspaper industry. We extend our gratitude to Kerala's Deshabhimani daily for its valuable assistance and to Fair Code Technologies for providing technical support.
Prajasakti has always stood firmly on the side of the people. There are striking similarities between the circumstances under which Comrade MH assumed editorial responsibility for Prajasakti and the challenges faced today.
At that time, the state's agricultural sector was experiencing severe distress. An all-party movement emerged against the then Congress government, demanding remunerative prices for agricultural produce. During the police repression of the agitation, DYFI activist Gurram Govinda lost his life. Efforts to suppress the movement only strengthened it, eventually compelling the government to accept the farmers' demands and issue the necessary orders. Prajasakti played a significant role in supporting the struggle through extensive reporting and numerous special articles.
Today, prices of both food crops—such as paddy and maize—and commercial crops like Virginia tobacco have collapsed across the state. Farmers are not only being denied remunerative prices but are often unable to secure even the minimum support prices announced by the government. Rather than actively intervening, the government limits itself to writing letters to the Centre and distancing itself from responsibility. Farmers have responded by organizing crop-specific protests and movements, all of which have received prominent coverage in Prajasakti. The newspaper also provided uninterrupted reporting on the prolonged farmers' agitation in the national capital, Delhi, ensuring that not a single day's developments went unreported.
From the Bharat Bandh of January 19, 1982, to the recent struggles of workers in Noida, Prajasakti has consistently stood with the working class. It has steadfastly supported the movement against the Centre's attempts to privatise the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant—an asset won through the historic "Visakha Ukku – Andhrula Hakku" (Visakha Steel is the Right of Andhras) movement. It has also championed the causes of students, youth, and women.
Believing that public service is far more important than holding office, Comrade MH stood in sharp contrast to many contemporary politicians who are willing to go to any lengths to retain power, including the unscrupulous practices often employed to engineer political defections. He never sought positions for personal gain. Instead, he remained devoted to serving the party and the people until his final days.
In his farewell speech upon retiring from the Rajya Sabha, he said:
"Thank you once again for this farewell. While it is saddening to part ways with all of you, I am also happy. I leave with the satisfaction of knowing that, by relinquishing this responsibility, I can devote the remainder of my life to serving my party, the people, and, above all, the downtrodden."
These words reflect the values that guided his entire life—selfless service, unwavering commitment to the people, and steadfast dedication to the cause of social justice.
Moturu Hanumantha Rao is an inspiration for the new generation
CPI(M) State Secretary V Srinivasa Rao described Moturu Hanumantha Rao, a key architect of the communist movement and former editor of Prajasakti, as a multifaceted intellectual whose life and work continue to inspire future generations.
A meeting to mark the 25th death anniversary of Moturu Hanumantha Rao was held on Thursday at the MB Vignana Kendram in Vijayawada. The programme was presided over by Prajasakti Editor B Tulasidas.
Addressing the gathering, Srinivasa Rao said that democracy in the country is facing serious challenges and called upon journalists to play a proactive role in safeguarding democratic values by raising public awareness. He recalled Moturu’s outstanding contributions as an editor, politician, analyst, and orator, describing him as a role model for the younger generation.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Acharya Nagarjuna University, K Viyyanna Rao, spoke about Moturu's lifelong dedication to a single cause and his spirit of sacrifice. He said Moturu firmly believed that the country should be governed with honesty, integrity, and commitment to public welfare. Referring to the current situation, he stressed the need for a broad movement to protect freedom of expression and uphold the rule of law. He called for encouraging and supporting individuals who courageously speak the truth, drawing inspiration from leaders such as Moturu.
Expressing concern over the state of higher education, K Viyyanna Rao said universities, which play a crucial role in shaping society, were facing increasing pressures. He emphasised the importance of introducing younger generations, particularly students, to the lives and contributions of leaders who dedicated themselves to social transformation.
Speakers expressed hope that the communist parties would once again emerge as a significant political force, as they were before the split of 1964. They also noted that readership habits are changing rapidly, with many young people obtaining information through digital platforms rather than traditional newspapers. In response to these changes, Prajasakti is expanding its digital presence while continuing to uphold its commitment to serving the people.
On the occasion, the new Prajasakti website was formally launched by K V N R Rao. Earlier, CPI(M) State Secretary V Srinivasa Rao, former MLC K S Lakshmana Rao, senior advocate Sunkara Rajendra Prasad, and Prajasakti Editor B Tulasidas paid floral tributes to Moturu Hanumantha Rao's portrait.
Speaking after the launch, Srinivasa Rao highlighted the growing influence of digital media in contemporary politics. He observed that while digital platforms had played a significant role in the rise of the Narendra Modi government, attempts were now being made to control and restrict those very platforms. He said young people across the country were increasingly coming forward to oppose exploitation and defend democratic rights.
He praised media organisations such as Prajasakti for fearlessly bringing important public issues to light and stressed the need to protect journalists who perform their duties with courage and integrity. He also criticised the spread of religious fanaticism, alleging that the RSS, BJP, and their affiliated organisations were actively promoting communal divisions.
Referring to state politics, Srinivasa Rao said that while regional parties often mutually criticise each other, they frequently support the Centre’s policies when crucial decisions are taken. He cited the Women's Reservation Bill as an example, arguing that both the TDP and YSRCP had ultimately aligned with the Centre's position. He called for such contradictions to be exposed before the public.
Former MLC K S Lakshmana Rao recalled Moturu's guidance to the lecturers' movement and praised Prajasakti for pursuing what he described as "alternative journalism" under the motto, "Every word stands with the people." He noted that during the period following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, Prajasakti consistently highlighted issues such as the implementation of promises made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act and the demand for Special Category Status.
Senior advocate and Andhra Pradesh Bar Council member Sunkara Rajendra Prasad described Moturu as a sensitive and compassionate individual who remained firm and principled in political matters. He warned that forces promoting social and political regression were gaining strength, while progressive forces were weakening, making it necessary for democratic and progressive movements to intensify their efforts.
The programme was attended by N G K Vishnu, CEO of Fair Code Infotech, A Sunil, IT Manager of Deshabhimani daily, Prajasakti Deputy Director and Editor Rambhupal, CGM Achyutarao, GM Hari Kishore, along with doctors, intellectuals, journalists, and several other distinguished guests.
