Ravipudi, the tourch bearer of Rationalist Movement
Ravipudi became a papular for the rationalist and humanist movements of in Andhra Pradesh. After Kaviraju Tripuraneni Ramaswamy, Ravipudi’s tireless walk to take rationalism to the people was possible. Ravipudi was the leader of the uncompromising movement who spent 80 years of his 102-year-long life in the spread of rationalist and humanist movements.
Ravipudi Venkatadri, who introduced rationality to all thinking people, young and old, was born on February 9th 1922 in Nagandla village of Bapatla district in a farmer’s family. He grown up with self-thoughts from childhood. He wrote poetry as a student. Under the influence of Tripuraneni Ramaswamy and MN Roy, steps were taken towards social revolution. Kavirajashram was established in his native village Nagandla. Many young people have been converted into rationalists. Hetuvadi magazine was established in1982 to take the movement to the people.
He introduced the truth, theory and goals of the movement in clear and simple Telugu to the people through his writings and gave a new turn to the movement. He wrote more than 100 books and became an inspiration among his contemporaries. Ravipudi said that if my writings are useful to remove the ignorance that has accumulated in the minds of people for thousands of years and to think with a scientific perspective, then my efforts are worthwhile.
“I have not written for personal recognition, money or awards. I am writing with a reasonable vision and seeking the truth. Many people may not like my thoughts. Whether the majority people likes it or not, my path will not change,” he clarified the intention of his writings.
Ravipudi gave life to the new ideology of social philanthropists and humanists. Revolution is not an unchangeable weapon. He said that routine movements and stereotypical movements cannot change people. Humanism is the refuge for a human who is born thinking to grow into a perfect person.
They established a “Radical Humanist Center” at Inkollu in Bapatla district and build a spacious building and a presented a valuable library as a gift to their movement. Making rationalism their way of life, contemporary intellectuals and activists like Avula Gopala Krishna Murthy (AGK), Kolla Subbarao, NV Brahm, Malladi Ramamurthy, Gorantla Raghavaiah, Ancha Baparao, Basava Punna Rao and others strengthened the movement.
Ravipudi Venkatadri is a great rationalist that our generation should be proud of us. He reconciled rationalism with humanism and said clearly that “God is a lie. Man is the focal point of all creation”. Ravipudi is the genius of our generation, Kaviraju Tripuraneni “question” projected as his sword , MN Roy scientific perspective as his weaon, lit the torch of revolution. Venkatadri who defines his life philosophy and personality as “I am a rationalist and i am a human being not a religious person”. explained, he has innumerable disciples, followers, and fans of the movement. All should be practical rationalists. Instead of lectures between the four walls, go into the rationalists and humanists.
The need should be explained. Ravipudi’s ambition is the same. Even if there are tens or hundreds of rationalists today, if there are thousands of rationalists, one should examine and read Ravipudi’s works, should be included in the textbooks. Political leaders, officials and young people should realize the importance of scientific perspective embedded in our constitution. A heartfelt tribute to Ravipudi Venkatadri who continues to shine as a beacon of rationalism.
-Dr. Beeram Sundara Rao, Chirala