The recent exit of Brother Ramu causes a tremendous sense of loss to many in the ‘HOUSE OF ALL’ much more so in the close circles and immediate fraternity of Jillellamudi. He has been close to one and all responding to their needs, cares and concerns, to the point that many counted upon him with little restraint for solution and relief.
Bhattiprolu Ramachandra widely known referred as Brother Ramu hails from Appikatla, very big nearby village of Bapatla but very close to Jillellamudi in terms of resource, both men and material. Even in the past without proper roads, many used to come to Jillellamudi from this village trudging on the farm bunds. He belongs to those early days being associated with Jillellamudi from his boyhood, schooling days at Appikatla almost six decades ago. His father being the proverbial village school teacher there, closer to AMMA.
More than the formal education, Brother Ramu is endowed with robust common sense and practical wisdom. In every subject he dealt with he was down to earth, being pragmatic and realistic. In any subject his approach was much integrated well connecting the lower levels to the high placed officialdom so that it could be accomplished without any hitch, not getting stuck anywhere. Several were such issues handled by him for Vijayawada. the SVJP with utmost finesse. Verily at the same time he is versatile and dealt with aplomb quite a few subjects that are widely varied.
His networking with the district authorities was very effective and efficient. For the Matrusri Oriental College, Smt. Dr.B.L. Suguna his spouse being the Correspondent, always carried through the College academic subjects with the District level authorities. This was much keenly felt in the changing policy on aided colleges and all when a quite a few critical situations necessitating quick, prompt and proper response have emanated. Brother Ramu’s networking capabilities at the district level were of enormous support, passing through the same very smoothly. His services in the COVID times, has been tremendous, admirable, verily humane never to be forgotten. He exposed to the risk with little heed.
For times to come, his presence in the civil works and amenities of Jillellamudi shall be keenly felt. The very controversial drainage work connecting the local drainage to the main drain Nallamada (River Omkara) not letting the same into the farms was very admirably completed with limited resource and severe constraints. This had to be completed in the scorching summer sun to finish the work well before the farm operations begin which he did meticulously.
The upkeep, repairs, and renovation of the TTD Kalayana Mantapam and the later addition of the Dining Hall were also his concern for quite a long spell. He maintained very good relations, enjoying much goodwill with the TTD Authorities at Guntur and
Repairs and renovation of the Cyclone Shelter, improvements and additions to the Sugathi Patham were all handled by him earlier. His involvement in the maintenance of the ‘House of All’,sanitation and other logistical support too had been significant. While dealing with any works, he was cost conscious, and budget minded to the point of optimization. To recall, the list could be quite lengthy and endless, as my personal experience had been to work with him in multiple areas.
As an individual, regard Ramu as an achiever. From the humble beginnings, he entered business, pharma distribution, making a mark. As an entrepreneur too his rise was substantial and significant creating jobs and gainful employment to the close kith and kin, a few others.
Even while succeeding financially, he parted with personal monies for the cause of Jillellamudi. The last civil work weatherproof roof over the Namam Area has been completed with his personal funds which he has taken up on his own and completed successfully.
As a family man, he was exemplary bringing up his children very well, getting them qualified professionally who are now very well placed. In all his relations with the inmates here, the devotee circle, as also those connected in various modes were all harmonious and purposive to the Parishat. He has been playing a worthy effective role without a hitch over the years and decades that witnessed several changes in the SVJP Committees and key Office Bearers.
While playing such a multifarious role, that was versatile and wide, he never lost the human touch. He has always been supportive of the needy and problem prone around him whom he unobtrusively helped financially too. While others discarded them he silently rose to the occasion and met their living needs.
Always humble, conscious of AMMA and HER bounteous grace, his role has been substantial, significant, crucial. Thus, Brother Ramu being memorable and unforgettable ever. True example worthy of emulation in times ahead in serving Jillellamudi and AMMA.