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My America Tour

Avula Gopala Krishna Murty (AGK)

In this book
Avula Gopalakrishna Murthy (AGK) a Humanist, an
orator, a famous lawyer and a writer gives us a critical
appreciation of America and its people.
AGK`s tour is significantly different and praiseworthy
when compared to other people was visited that
country and returned home.
AGK saw America from various angles. He tells us the
similarities and differences between us and the
Americans in various fields of life.
Each chapter in itself is the highlight of his
observations, each one an essay in content with his
erudite comments about what he saw and felt.
Hence this book is content oriented where from the
poets find inspiration, the socialists get social matters
and the democrats derive thoughtful incentives.
This book is a source of knowledge to the scholars,
local administrators as well as the farmers. READ
AND ENJOY.
-

Publisher

(Translated by : Komala Venigalla)

Foreword of N. Innaiah
Avula Gopalakrishnamurthy known as AGK
(1917-1967) was advocate in Tenali town of
Andhra Pradesh, India. He was outstanding
Radical Humanist who practiced M.N.Roy`s
philosophy. He edited couple of Telugu journals
like Sameeksha, Radical, Radical Humanist.
Eminent speaker in English and Telugu and writer.
He translated couple of M N Roy`s books into
Telugu. Associated with Indian Rationalist and
Humanist associations. He was invited as state
guest to USA in 1963. After return he wrote his
experiences in Telugu.

Contents
Foreword
Journey through nature
On the way
People, Attitudes, Lifestyle
Government and People
Within two months
Education system
Children are Children Anywhere
Local administrative bodies
Newspapers and Journalism
Law Courts
Social welfare
Their claims
The Problem of Blacks
Agriculture in America
International Peasants` world
Humanism in America
Fresno incident
Places of Scenic beauty
Grand Canyon
Few more salient features
CONCLUSION
4

Foreword
The first of June 1963 happened to be very
significant in my life . Our daughter Jayasree was
getting married that day. It was our (Hemalatha and
myself) 25th wedding anniversary. A third surprising
and happy event, took place the same day. I got a
letter through B.S.R. Krishna from the American
government inviting me to tour their country for two
months.
I set out on my tour on 13th August and left India on
15th .I came back on 3rd Nov winding up my
American tour. Many friends were apprehensive
about 13th date, 8th month and 3rd, for them they
were not auspicious dates. But they were sure that I
did not share their fears. But they were all happy and
relieved when I returned home safely.
I spent sixty days in America, eleven in England and
four each in Holland, Germany and France.In each of
the countries I met people of varied culture while
observing the differences, feeling the new experience.
Knowing about my trip several friends and various
organizations invited me to their places and felicitated
me. They came out with some suggestions, advice and
aspirations. They asked me to take full advantage of
my trip. I realized their expectations.

I had new experiences everywhere I went without

changing myself in any way.
After I returned from tour I had to travel to various
places in several districts sharing my experiences,
observations and their influences on me while in
America with people who gathered enthusiastically to
listen to me. They were delighted to hear about the
people I met, places I visited and the organizations I
was invited to. They posed some questions and my
answers cleared their doubts. The people`s response in
these meetings and their enthusiasm prompted me
later to bring out this small book regarding my
experiences, feelings and ideas- the outcome of my
tour.
I was still in America when a rumor was circulated in
Andhra that I made some untoward remarks in a
meeting organized by the lawyers` association. It was
spread like wildfire and some went even to the extent
of demanding that I should be called back. Their
ignorant remarks ignited many favorable responses
towards me from various sources and even
newspapers stood by me. All that became my
strength.
The people of Andhra whether they knew me or not
followed my tour closely and I am thankful to each
and every individual for their indirect support to me.

I thank all my friends who invited me and honored

me whole heartedly before and after my tour
I cannot mention all their names here individually
though.
My tour was an eye-opener to me. Prior to that I read
about those countries and the people of the outside
world. But seeing all that personally was altogether a
different experience.
I saw the difference between gathering, knowledge
through books and seeing those wonderful places and
meeting people personally. Mine was an enriching
experience which I could bring out in a book form .I
hope that readers will surely appreciate and enjoy it.
Encouragement of my friends is behind my effort
though late.
Tenali
1-4-66

Gopalakrishna Murthy

Journey through Nature

`Take a sixty days tour in our country, observe
newspapers, journalistic trends, law courts and all
other things of your interest, visit places you like and
meet with people you prefer to` That was the
invitation to me from the American Government
which I accepted and set out on my journey. though
the trip was to a country a very long distance away,
my preparations were on a small scale.
It was our independence day 15th August. In the early
hours at 4.45 am my journey started in T.W.A Jet
Boeing aircraft. Bombay was still in slumber in the
midst of bright lights. there would be many events
that day celebrating the independence day- all that I
left behind. But I was delighted that I would, be
reaching New York on 15th August itself.
I was flying in an expensive plane which flew six or
seven hundred miles an hour . It was moving faster
than wind and speedier than the thoughts of some of
us. It was flying over 25,000 feet from land and water
levels . From Paris to New York it was 35,000 feet.

I landed in New York at 7.10 pm the same day. I

started from Bombay . We might count the time as
14.25 hours but it was much more than that.
The question would arise how could it be more hours
than 14.25 hours. Did the aircraft move slowly or was
there any other reason ?
The answers for that question - if the earth, is square
there is no answer. There is no answer if we think like
our ancestors that the Sun is revolving around the
earth. But earth is round and it revolves around the
Sun.
My journey took more than 14.25 hrs .It took 27 hours
by the time I reached New York.
In this journey in nature there was a big war being
waged ,not between our ancient ideas and modern
ideas, but between nature and man`s effort.
The Sun who is part of nature appears to rise at
different areas in different times each moment.
Because the earth is round and revolves around the
Sun we get that impression. For us it looks amazing.
Everyday in 24 hours it looks that somewhere it is the
sunrise and sunset, somewhere else at the same time.
In fact it is neither sunrise nor sunset. It looks like that
because earth is revolving. It looks though for some,
especially for the religious fanatics a wonder but for
nature it is the daily routine act. For those who accept
scientific knowledge it is a natural routine.
9

Our plane at first stopped at the oil city Derham in

Saudi Arabia. Then at Cairo-capital of Egypt, at
Athens, in Greece. at Rome in Italy and in Paris
capital of France. Straight from Paris we flew to New
York and by 10 pm we reached Washington DC, the
capital of America. That was 15th August, our
independence day still.
We reached Washington at 10pm. But it was neither
10pm in India nor was it 15th August. It was 8am on
16th August there . We stayed four hours in all in
those cities where we halted . We traveled for 27 and
odd hours. When we reached New York at 7.10 pm the
Sun was just set in. Then after three hours we were in
Washington-thus we had a very long day time!
One wonders how it is possible to have a very lengthy
day time as there are only 12 hours in a day.
This wonder is the result of man`s war against nature.
He is able to extend 12 hours of a day time into 27
hours. If he continues his travel from New York to
San Francisco via Japan, Burma and reach Bombay the
day time can be extended to 44 hours instead of 27
hours. If man challenges nature that he would refuse
to see the night he can win. By taking backward
journey he can but that he would not see the daytime
he can win the bet. With the help of scientific
technology man could show the effect of his effort on
nature.This is the story of factual matter or fact. If

10

religious fanatics refuse to accept this fact we have

nothing to say.
In this journey there is neither expostulation against
nor submission to nature. The significance of this
journey is to observe the factual happening and
understanding it.
I enjoyed 27 hours of day time which gave me a
feeling of elation, and satisfaction. Though I read
about this Sunrise in the books earlier I experienced
the thrill by watching it after sixteen years of our
independence. I could see the difference between
reading and seeing it personally. It was a surprising
knowledge. This is an experience everyone should
have and enjoy the effect of it.
While flying high I could see the borders of earth and
its shape. I could witness myriads of colors more than
seven believed to be there by us , may be they acted
an illusion. But it was the wonderful sunrise and the
day time.
Because of the layers of the clouds between us, the
earth and water I could see the distance between us
and the earth but could not grasp the distance
between us and the clouds, or between them and the
earth. The nature was going through the birth pangs,
the sun was not yet born. In this effort both nature and
the sun were struggling giving an enthralling chance
to man to feel the inexplicable joy. The colors were
11

changing moment by moment yet the Sun could not

free itself from nature`s womb, the birth throbs
reddening the scene.
The poets who described the sunrise and did not
experienced this. Those of us who did experience it are
not poets. Hence beauty of that scene did not find a
place in our poetry.
We could not estimate the thickness of the clouds.
They were moving in various shapes- hills, threads ,
bunches, rings, laces, horses, elephants, lions ,goats,
cows bulls and also the shapes of animals which we
have never seen before.The beautiful movement of
the clouds excelled the poetic imagery of them by
Krishnasastri in his lyric and also superior rendering
of the ssme by Bhanumati in the movie Malliswari.
We could see the areas breaking through the clouds
while the plane was rising up or descending down.
For a while we felt the sea nearer and we watched the
golden sun beautifying the clouds with blue, green,
yellow and various shades of gems. Then the golden
hue of Sun turned into white robes.All this
metamorphosis took more than 2 and half hours
We saw the shape of earth and indescribable beauty of
the light illuminating the space where the land and
the sea meet.It inspires the poets to pen great poem.
The clouds near those borders broke into the shapes
of towns, cities and disintegrated. The white foam
12

exuded by the waves appeared have to become

clouds. The clouds appeared to have covered the sea
with the white cloak. Then the clouds themselves
looked like forming the sea. When the plane was
descending through the clouds we felt that the clouds
themselves formed into steps bidding farewell. It is
very difficult to assimilate the magnitude of Solar
riches.
The beauty of the clouds started disappearing after 10
am on 15 th. We could witness the white golden colors
of sand particles.
That was how we took nature into our hands giving
life to daytime extending it to 27 hours. When we
reached New York night embraced us with a feeling
of triumph that it could catch us.
That was my first journey in nature.
From Andhrajyothi, 1-9-63

13

On the way
After

watching the beauties of nature while flying

high in the skies we had our first halt at Derham, an
oil rich sandy city in Saudi Arabia. The airport was not
specially attractive and there was not much activity
going around . Next we landed in Cairo thinking of
the Egyptian rulers, pyramids and the knowledge of
their ancient generations. The airport was bigger
compared to that of Derham. It looked strictly
disciplined place with big built people in lengthy
dresses. Arabic architecture was found everywhere.
Our third stop was at Athens. It is small but the home
of ancient civilizations. the mental pictures of great
Greek philosophers- Socrates, Plato, Aristotle,
Protagoras, Democretus, Thucydides, Thales and
historic events like Trojan horse made me emotional in
that city. The small buildings with Mangalore tile
roofs, painted pots, baskets made of leaves and reeds
and their musical instruments made me feel that we
are closer to the Greeks in our culture. They are our
older brothers in our ancient civilization .
Then we stopped in Rome- famous for their kingly
dynasties. There is a similarity between Athens and
14

Rome in the sense, that the Renaissance movement

flourished in both those cities. It is the home for art,
architecture, paintings which preached by the world
renowned artists and personalities like Leonardo da
vinci, Michelangelo , and Medici. Rome`s leanings are
towards the west. We dont see here neither the
French sophistication nor the Egyptian strength.It is a
mixture of many things.
Our last stop was in Paris-the airport is illuminated
with delicate fanciful scenes.The people were active
and yet it is peaceful. It was spectacular. The people
revel in their fashionable and passionate life. They
seem to be proud of themselves, their literature and
their western culture. From there we took a long jump,
crossed the Atlantic ocean and reached New York-the
city of cities.

15

People, Attitudes, Life Style

We

may sit in our country and wish well for the

world but it does not help us to know the outside
world. We remain ignorant. If we tour various
countries, meet people, observe their nature and their
culture it may not give us a chance to know much
about them but it surely enables us to know ourselves.
America is a big country though not population-wise.
It helps backward countries and also interfere in their
matters. Thus it is a powerful nation. Their population
was up to 18 crores and 20 lakhs ( in 1963).It is less
than half of our population -ours was 45 crores ( in
1963). In 1812 their population was 72 lakhs and 50
thousand.In 1852 it was 2 crores and 20 lakhs.
Meanwhile 20 lakhs Europeans migrated to America.
According to Homestead rule of 1862 migrant could
buy 160 acres of land paying Rs 20 or 50 per acre. That
helped land distribution mightily and large number
of people migrated and settled in America.
People from almost all European countries we find in
America. It looks like a small size Europe. Not only
Europeans many people from Russia, Arab countries,
Africa, Asia, Japan and China went there and formed
16

settlements. America is a merger of various nationals

into one country- a mixture of many minorities. The
greatness of America is that internationalism is an
inherent part of their nationalism.
The feeling of individual right is dominant here in
America. They dont` differentiate between a master
and a servant - that feeling is predominant in rest of
the world. The way they address each one as mister is
to be appreciated.
All the settlers consider themselves as Americans and
English as their language. Because of this we find
unity in diversity in this country.
People here are conscious and instead of expanding
their families they expanded their wealth in the past
20 years keeping limiting their population between 18
and 20 crores (1963) They dont` have to struggle with
family planning projects like us. They consciously
limited the families while enjoying the comforts of life.
A peculiar tendency of the Americans is noteworthy.
When they work they are meticulously immersed in it
undisturbed When they sit to eat they do full justice
to eating. They enjoy the free time with their families
visiting different places. They know how to work, how
to eat and how to enjoy life. That is their specialty.
Their weekend is like a festival to them. Rarely people
abstain from weekend travel and enjoyment. They
rush out in their cars. For me that looked like more
17

strain than relaxation. When I pointed it to some

friends they too shared my opinion. We can make
them rethink and see the point.
They are fully conscious of their rights as well as their
duties.
We see humane brotherly feeling towards blacks and
their colored people here. But in the southerners we
see the pride of their color though their number is on
the decline. Their special status is taking a downward
trend.
America is a country of distances-place to place, state
to state thousands of miles apart. Though all speak
English there is variation in style between the people
of north, south and east. They are not different in
eating and dressing. There are differences in industrial
areas and agricultural areas. Though we see
differences in some ways unity is predominantly felt
there.
We can quote small examples of how humans behave
similarly worldwide. We see people caring for pigeons
feeding them and flying them. In India we see humane
services people feeding ants with sugar. In this beef
eating nations we find all such people-the humane
services society.
I had witnessed a painful scene at Kaufman cafe in
Belmont Plaza of New York. In India dogs, pigs and
beggars fight with each other to collect food half
18

eaten, thrown out of hotels and homes. Such scenes

dissolve our independence into a zero, humanness
melts into nothingness. A different scene, not that
intense, I came across here. Some food was served in
small cups. One gentleman just tasted a bit and
pushed the dish away. A cleaner there removed top
portion from that cup and reserved it for himself. It
really pained me.
The scene in the restaurant was a painful reminder of
India. I had not seen many such things in America. Yet
I could feel the sadness thinking of them.
I did not see beggars in America. I saw an odd looking
man with a card board plate around his neck asking
for alms. That is their way of begging for such people
here. There are shelters yet I saw one begging in in
New York.
One drunkard approached me in San Francisco and
asked me to help him to buy a ticket to next city. I
moved away saying sorry! I saw him leaving the
place, he might have asked some others for help.
America hospitality
America hospitality is a special feature found
everywhere.In ancient days India was well known for
its hospitality.But these days that spirit is changing in
our own country. Americans are very good hosts. I
was a house-guest at Albert Kaufman`s house, for
three and half days. The family left the whole house
19

at my disposal when they had to go to work. they

made meticulous arrangements for my food and other
needs. Daily they took me out to visit places driving
two three hundred miles giving me an opportunity to
observe their system of agriculture.
One day they threw a party inviting 23 families. The
guests brought their own crockery and cutlery along
with an item of food-a potluck party. I, as a special
guest, had to taste all their dishes, if I did not do it
they would feel disrespected. After that heavy dinner
all of us sat for discussion -that is their tradition. Poets,
singers, teachers, film personalities, lawyers, doctors
and agriculturalists comprised the group gathered
there. All of them posed innumerable questions to me
which showed their knowledge and also their
ignorance about India. They all heard me with interest
and some even took notes.
In Milwaukee the Malinger family invited me for
dinner. I asked them what they were interested in
about India.
Mary Malinger said that they invited me specially
because they came to know that I have six children. I
remarked-`may be you have more children`!
`How do you know?` She asked. I started saying `otherwise`-she interrupted me saying that they have

20

nine daughters and one son. She laughed pointing to

herself. She was pregnant with her eleventh child.
`Are you Roman Catholic`? My question to her. The
couple wondered how I knew it. The Catholics are
against family planning.
The dinner with them created a festival atmosphere.
The kids actively participated.I was reminded of
Tenali Ramakrishna`s story-Nigam Sarma`s sister.
Their uncle joined us at the table.
It was the birthday of the one of the girls, they brought
the big birthday cake, which I cut being the guest of
honor.
The youngest girl was three years old. All children
giggled, chirped and laughed around me. Their
mother reminded them that they should respect the
guest, Children are children-anywhere, anytime, they
bring cheer and pleasure to the grown ups. After
meals they asked whether my mother tongue was
English.
I said `No`. One of them asked me how then could I
speak English. I told them that I had learnt it. The
third and fourth girls wondered who could teach me
that good English. My answer was - like your country
my country was in slavery ruled by the British. One
of them remarked that they never had slavery. Their
mother corrected her saying that they had slavery
21

once upon a time. I continued- `you got freedom in

1776 and we got in 1947 Your mother tongue is
English. We have learnt it and so it is our adopted
language.` -They looked at each other assimilating
what I said. The eldest girl- a college student
expressed the desire to know how mother tongue
sounds.
I got a cassette out-Athota Ratna kavi, and lawyer
Johnson sang and recorded them.The children`s
father relayed them on the tape recorder. They all
jumped up and down appreciating the song. I told
them that Telugu is called Italian of the east.They
requested me to sing. I recited two poems. They
gaped at my mouth in surprise.
After sending the children away Mary came and sat
with me with a notebook in her hand.
She was looking at me intently as she asked me-what
is the status of women in your country? My answer`You call her better half. We call her GruhalakshmiArthangi. To tell you frankly they are given secondary
status. Of late that situation is changing slowly,
treating them equal to men`.
She tightened her lips. Her husband looked at her
smiling. Her next question was `how long, would it
take women to be treated equals`. I coolly and calmly

22

said- A few generations- changes in our country take

place slowly. We are very slow in social change.
She asked me-Do you still observe untouchability in
your country?
My response-`yes. Our constitution abolished
untouchability, laws have been passed saying that it is
crime to practice untouchability in restaurants and
other public places.`
She-`Has is it gone?`
Me -`No it did not. It will not go this soon. It has not
come up all of a sudden. No single person is
responsible for it. The responsibility lies on the past
history of India. All of us are accountable to it. All of
us have to work seriously to abolish it. Even then it
will take a very long time. Inter caste and inter racial
marriages and other such changes will help to abolish
it.`
While she took notes she asked me why should it take
that long.
I said- Social problems do not crop up in a single day,
Such social evils take real long time to die down.`
She ---` but------/`Me--` There is no but in social
problems.They have to go in course of time. These
people should be given special preference and place in
education, professions, marriages and technical fields
23

and in state legislatures. Such encouragement will

slowly help the needed result- abolition of the evil.
She could not say anything further. Her husband
retired to the next room. The older gentleman was just
listening to our conversation. The children were busy
playing.
Let us turn to the discussions in Kaufman`s house. I
was asked everywhere why our women are treated
unequally. I had to explain to them clearly and
patiently.
One poetess wondered why men are so selfish and
narrow minded.
My response--some such men you will find even in
your country-.The men gathered there laughed at my
remark.
I continued--Apart from men`s selfish narrow
thinking- we see that they are tradition bound.
Without trying to change their thought process to
come out of the old evils thinking that old is gold. This
type of social behaviorism we can see in all the
countries. If we look back to history and social
revolutions we know that men are slaves to old ways.
But there are some social activists who opposed the
existing social set up. Such people we meet in all
countries. We are closer to 16th century in our social

24

norms. This is 20th century. You are measuring our

old social system with your 20th century yard scale. `
They looked at me, at each other hesitating to
question further.
Me--`You find similar conditions in all backward
countries.
Kaufman asked me whether the deep rooted
untouchability and caste system had been abolished.
Me--- Though our constitution abolished untouchability, the society did not do it yet. Caste system is
strong in our society. Some are trying to do away with
it. In our country Nationalism was fully supported by
our freedom fighters. It was basic hatred towards
Britishers. After the Britishers left in our country
hatred against muslims flourished during the
partition of the country. Then it turned into the evil
caste system. The inherent hate spirit in Nationalism
helped the caste system to become deep rooted . Even
elections reflect caste system. People marry within
their own caste thus strengthening the system further.
They were shocked to know that marriages do not
cross the caste barriers-expected me to suggest
alternative.
Me--We are trying to bring a change. We are hoping
that the educated will encourage inter caste
25

marriages. But it will have to go a long way, even

generations to take place for the change.
They sighed and looked at me sympathetically. I am a
representative of the unfortunate lot.
Kaufman told me that some of our own people denied
that those two evils are no more in our country. I
emphatically told him that it was a lie.
I asked them about the problem of blacks in their own
country, and if they tell lies the problem will not go
away. Same is true with our problem even if some tell
lies.
We should bravely face the problems`--I said.
Similar questions were raised everywhere I met
people. I answered them clearly and truthfully just as
I talked about them in India. I referred to the historical
events, foreign invasions and our traditional social
background.
In those meetings I could see their enthusiasm to
know about our country. They even expressed their
readiness to help to redress our problems .
They depend more on machines than on manual labor
because the later is more expensive. They believe in
buying a new machine instead of getting the old one
repaired.

26

Sixty, seventy per cent of women smoke, almost all

take drinks. Sixty per cent of workers in offices are
women . Their women lawyers are even more in
number. They dont differentiate men from women may be they are 18 crore angels!
But their family system is a bit odd. The parents take
less responsibility once their children grow to be 15,
16 years. But this freedom to children is making them
go astray in some cases. I felt their family system is
defective.
The whole families eat at restaurants.Some even do
not cook food at home. This practice destroys
togetherness of the family in some way. Restaurant
smells pervading their houses.
Another special feature of theirs is not to interfere in
others` lives. They keep to themselves. General
population does not bother about neighboring nations.
Hundred year old Monroe scheme could be
responsible for their behavior.
They do not like to waste time.Men and women walk
very fast and even speak fast. Their walk is equal to
our running. they use their time methodically. If they
have to meet somebody they fix a time and promptly
be there and finish the work on time.
One day I fixed up 10 am as my time to meet a person.
Though I was there at 10 am it took 10 minutes for me
27

to trace and reach his room. He turned to next work as

though he had done with me.
I approached his secretary who said he was looking
into his next business.
I argued----- Our meeting time is for 30 minutes .Only
10 minutes are already spent--there are 20 more
minutes he has to give me. She did not know what to
say but went in saying that I was raising law points.
The gentleman called me in after 20 minutes of
talking. I promptly got up to leave. He said that I use
my 30 minutes and continued discussion. time is
important for them..
Even when we tell things not to their liking, they listen
to us without showing irritation. They look for the
important points in what we said and reason in our
ideas.
So rational thinking is welcomed by them.
I argued with them in many meetings that they were
allowing too much freedom to their children at a very
young age which is leading some to wrong paths.I
mentioned the same in my radio and television talks
there.
They attacked me in return saying that we control our
children too much not allowing them to grow. Their
objection is to our system of the parents finding life

28

partners to our sons and daughters. This point was

raised by them in all meetings.
My answer was-----We take good care in raising our
children and we sacrifice many of our comforts to
enable our children to have better future. You too do
that to a certain extent. But you leave them free to find
themselves even before they are mature enough to
take their own decisions. We in India advise and
guide them even in matters of their marriages with a
view to make them have proper married life. They did
not agree with me. But I did not leave the matter at
that.
I said-----With modern education and lifestyle
marriages taking new roots even in our country. But
most of the parents take that responsibility too in
selecting the life-partners to their children. We are
not making changes as fast as you do. It will slowly
move with education and industrial advancement. I
am not defending that we are right. But I see some
irresponsibility in your system.
They emphatically denied it.
But I still insisted saying that you are leaving more
responsibility on children and call it giving them
freedom. I call it your irresponsibility. I could see their
anger.
I continued------What is wrong if you guide your
children regarding their marriages giving them advice
29

and suggestions. It is not an order on your part. But

guidance is not a sin. The family system is still strong
in our country. Yours has loopholes. --They remained quiet, some moved their heads.Some
could see the point in my argument.

30

Government and People

America has federal constitution-young in age. In 1492
Christopher Columbus, an Italian sailor was deputed
by the king of Spain to sail to India. On the way he
landed in America and thought it was India. He called
the people there Indians. They are American
aboriginals-the Red Indians.
It is a vast country with Atlantic ocean on the east and
the Pacific on the west side. There are 50 states with
varied climatic conditions-from 120 degrees heat to
freezing snow. The country is rich in mineral
resources. It has vast forest areas and mountains. The
aboriginals were 4 lakhs in number. They had 5 crore
and 60 lakhs acres of land under their control.
In ancient days America was called New World.
Americans have fundamental rights for persons
surpassing any other country. The framers of their
constitution carefully drafted the features of the
fundamental rights. The feeling of the fundamental
rights has taken deep roots in the people. That
assertion is the basis of the American democracy
which is unknown to others. It is its life support.
America became independent in 1776-the rule of
George 111 ended then.

31

Their constitution which came into force in 1789, was

written for Justice, international peace, general wellbeing and to bestow the blessings of independence to
their children. Their declaration of independence and
the first ten amendments (Rights bill) in their
constitution have been their legacy.
Now their population is 18 crores (in 1963). The fifty
states are divided into 3050 counties. Each county
comprises of towns, cities and the villages. There are
50 thousand school districts, 14,424 administrative
districts. Local administration is base and boon to
America. Democracy is etched in their veins. The
States have more administrative powers than the
federal government. Federal government looks afterforeign relations, internal and foreign trade, war
strategy, taxes, currency, mail services, naturalization
and general well-being. The states have rest of the
rights. In recent times the federal government is
interfering in matters of loans-providing funds to
house building, education, social welfare and labor
problems. People fear that in the name of welfare
interference is increasing.
Two thirds of people live in 5787 small size towns. In
cities we dont find more than 2500 people. There are
12 cities with a little more than a lakh population.
Twenty one big cities have over 5 lakh people. There
are nearly 90 lakh people in New York. It is their

32

biggest city. Even Chicago and Los Angeles have up to

70 lakh population.
The American government depends on its people and
their political parties. The Republican and the
Democratic party being the biggest parties. There are
very small parties likke - socialist, communist,
progressive parties.
Both the big parties work in the national, state and
local levels. The basic unit in the party is the election
district. They have one lakh 25 thousand such units.
In each unit there are 200 to 800 voters. District
leaders devide the district into blocks for
administrative convenience. District leaders, block
leaders and other important members form the
congress district and work like a local party. It is like
our assembly constituency.
The district leaders form the county committee and
run 3050 committees, in those counties county
committees elect two state committee members. State
committee elects central committee members. National
central committee elects the President. This is all
electoral college process.
Democratic party enjoys the support of labor unions,
the Blacks, the industrialists. The Republican party is
supported by those who do not want the interference
of the Government in fiscal matters of the country.
33

There are industrialists and the farmers in this group.

The catholics lean towards democrats. In these two
parties there are divisions- liberals and conservatives.
Elephant is the symbol of the Republican party.
Donkey is for Democrats. The Republican party is
called ( GOP) Grand old party.
There is no membership system in these parties.
Which we and Europeans have. The parties do not
exercise whip. There is no system of forcing the
members to vote for someone. They vote according to
their conscience. There is no infighting or fear of
indiscipline in the party. Party does not disintegrate
into groups.
They do not have party meetings. A house survey is
done to know what the people feel about the way the
party works. This house survey is the major work of
the party. Basing on that Gallop poll is conducted.
For fund raising to the party they arrange party
dinners and explain the need for funds and collect
donations.
Party`s influence is spread among the people through
associations. Parties are not centralized. Party`s
working and leadership is decentralized. There is no
whip system. Matters are discussed with each member
to assess the opinions which are carried to the leader.

34

They discuss matters and no forcing any body what to

do or not to do.
The speaker suggests the members to various
committees. The membership of the committee is
decided according the party ratio.
A national view point is projected in the parties.
Slowly provincial view point takes backseat. Parties
influence is highly felt in the election of the President
and in the rest of the elections individual`s influence
more than that of the party. Local body elections are
not based on the parties.
To the law courts, selections are made without the
interference of the party.
We see more of Republican party in the villages and
the city suburbs where as the democratic party is
strongly seen in cities and industrial pockets. More
women work for parties.
This kind of management is called The American
system, which they are very fond of.
America declared war on England over naval rights in
1812. Madison was their president. Afterwords James
Monroe became the president in 1823. They adopted
Monroe system, cutting all kinds of ties with other
nations. They started following their own rule, thus
becoming lone country. Monroe system influenced

35

the American way of life for a period of hundred

years.
American way of non interference in other`s matters
keeping to oneself was the result of Monroe system. It
turned to be their strong characteristic.
This kind of life system began to take a slow change
making Americans extending to South America, a
gesture considered as a good neighbor country. This
change helped to form OAS (Organization of
American States (by 1948).
To day it is an alliance for progress.
America got involved in the 1917 and 1941 wars and
evolved into a world power playing a prominent role.
Today it stands out a superpower in the world.
America has a different view of Asia. They dont have
there the countries ruled by them. Their knowledge of
Asia is through missionaries. They do not have
experience there unlike Britain and France. But we can
see that America wishes all nations to achieve
independence.
They have connections in Europe. Their attitude
towards Africa is same as Asia. They are completely
opposed to communism.Their news media reflects
their antagonism to the communists.

36

When we go to America we come across a different

picture. If we ask-what is the role of the Government
and what are the duties of the people, there we see the
difference between us and the Americans.
We have evolved into welfare state from constitutional
cooperative commonwealth. From there we moved to
socialist pattern. Then we are caught into socialist
state.
The Americans remained consistently in `Presidential
system` of government. We declared that Democratic
socialism is our aim. They remained in Democracy.
After we got independence we have been observing all
kinds of changes in governments and administration
in our country.
We feel government interference in the matters of state
administration in so called decentralized panchayat
and Block development administration in India. If this
interference progresses we will only see the government in every field of our life. It may even interfere
with our personal lives thus laying their hands on all
matters of our lives. The administrators or law makers
may feel elevated thinking they are making ours a
welfare state. But it will be `a pain in the neck state`they will lead us to.
This type of administration took shape in Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru`s time as prime minister.
37

The scholars are of the opinion that the government

which does not exercise too much administration and
power is a good government.
A great number of American presidents saw truth in
that opinion. They tried to adapt to their
administration. It reflected in today`s American
Government.
Too much of power and administration is not suitable
to Democracy. Its foundation should be strong that
people can carry on well with their work and duties is
the basis of Democracy. People cannot do anythingonly government has to do every thing is a negative
approach to Democracy. That kind of government in
the name of people ultimately leads to dictatorship. If
dictatorship takes roots it will sound death knell to
democracy.
Let us see in which areas the government takes full
charge of administration in America. It may help
governments of other countries to democratize
themselves. Let us take transportation system.
Railways are not in the hands of government. Private
corporations own the trains. In India the government
runs the trains. It is the same in all socialist countries.
They have a misconception that there will be less
corruption if government is in charge . But that system
turned out to be more painful to the people than
useful.
38

In America airlines are in the hands of private

companies. Routes and rates are fixed by national and
international advisory boards. Land transportation
and water supply are taken care of by private
agencies. The government has no power in it. The
income generated by buses, trucks, lorry services is in
the hands of corporations and private services.
Electric power supply is in private hands.
Water and gas supply to all the towns, cities and the
villages is done by corporations. Roads, buildings, and
bridges are built by private agencies. They manage
canal work. Telephones, radio, television systems are
managed by the private bodies. Postal system is with
the government. Law courts, government offices are in
their own buildings. Mines, coal, oil, iron and other
metals do not come under government control. The
multi million billion dollar business in food and other
fields are managed by private people.
After hearing all this one may ask then what is that the
government does there. Private agencies are primarily
important in all businesses. This should be specially
noted by us.
In spite of all that America is the center for capitalistic
system where there is a lot of exploitation. We may
ask how can democracy flourish in such a country of
economic exploitation.

39

Marx vehemently attacked capitalism. But

Capitalism is not there at that critical level as criticized
by him saying that the production is done on the
social basis but consumption is on individual basis in
capitalist system. Wherever that system prevails the
Marxists have to accept it as capitalism.
Without undermining the individuality, and with no
exploitation the social productions should be
distributed. That did not happen in communist
countries. If we look at other countries and America,
there is no proof that more social justice is done in
socialist countries.
Decentralization has to take place instead of
centralization. With that new kind of outlook we have
to criticize the capitalist and communist countries. The
criticism should help societies to progress. If that kind
of progress is to be achieved their thinking process
should start with grass roots to reach up to the top
level and not vice versa.
A man should develop as individual first and then be
a basis for the development of society. We have to
observe whether such conditions are there in the
social system. Mere slogans do not help to progress.
That is why the government should not enter in
every field. If they shoulder all burdens there is going
to be digressions in the name of collective
responsibility.
40

Let us first consider man as an individual and see

what he can do as one among many. Then we have to
measure him scientifically to find out his new values
which could be stepping stone for the advancement of
society. With those new human values in mind I began
to look at the American system.
America is a big country with vast lands and mineral
resources. Their population is under control. There are
opportunities for the individuals to better their lives.
Such is their social system. They still need to bring
many changes. Democracy has its roots there. It
should be allowed to grow stronger. Equality is the
basis of their independence. There changes are a must
in America. They need not switch over to communist
way. They can continue their own system, and be able
to bring about desired results. That is my observation
and view point.
Let us look at America in comparison with Russia.
America became independent in 1776 but the modern
America came into existence -we can say- in 1933. We
can see what changes their economics underwent.
Mere theories donot help They are old enough to be
discarded. Experience revealed that by abolishing the
system of private property in the fields of production,
trade, and distribution, everything is not going
towards well being of the world. Communism focused
stress on turning man into machine, giving more

41

importance to machine than to man. That system

should go away It did not help for human welfare.
I have observed the American education, local bodies,
freedom from government, basic democratic views,
social local organizations and their thought process.
There are some big capitalists and exploiters there.
We cannot judge the whole system with few people. If
we do that then it becomes unscientific. America
should come out of this defective system of resting
things in few hands.
America is a rich country. The Americans are freedom
lovers. They resist any system that stands in the way
of individual freedom and advancement. They are not
slaves to the theories that hamper their independence.
We should recognize that free spirit of theirs. If their
government restricts their freedom and justice they are
bound to fight against it for sure.

42

Within Two Months

I set foot on American soil on 15th August and left it
on 14th October. Exactly two months time I traveled
for 10 thousand miles in New York, Ohio, Illinois,
Wisconsin, Minnesota, California, Arizona, Texas,
Arkansas, and Tennessee states.
I don`t claim that I had seen more or less. I observed
the American way of life on priority basis. I visited
many places and cities, organizations and saw
various scenes some of which pained me and others
made me gain rich experience and information.
I did not go there either as an American tourist or as
a representative of some organization. I went there
having been invited by American government. I
went as an individual representing my own ideas.
They made all arrangements for me to visit places,
meet people and going to different organizations. If I
could not go to many places it was fault of my
decision not theirs`. If I could give them my travel
programme to go to all 50 states they would have
made suitable arrangements. They would not have
minded if I had spent a few hours in the capital of
each state and spent all my time in flights seeing

43

nothing . But I decided against such a whirlwind

tour.
The moment I landed in New York a representative
of the State department recognized me and got
cleared me from immigration process and put me on
the flight to Washington DC. Another representative
received me at the airport and put me in Windsor
Park Hotel in Washington.
I spent 12 days in Washington. Paul D. Smith, Louis
Gratia were in charge of my travel. Smith took me to
National Press club, invited me as a member there,
gave a dinner in my honor. He personally found out
from me what I wanted to see there though they had
received that information from Madras earlier.
The next day we went to the house of George
Washington and saw Mount Vernon. No other
person has as many statues and memorials as
Washington and Columbus. At Lincoln`s statue I
was overwhelmed with emotions. It is a very big
statue which reminded me of the past history of
America. One can feel Lincoln`s greatness by looking
at his statue. The Washington memorial and
National parliament building-Capital are in the same
line. There is a prohibition in Washington that no
other building should be higher that Capitol. Broad
roads and trees on either side looked peaceful being
one of the beautiful cities in America. A french
44

architect planned the city in the shape of half moon

keeping the Capitol in the center.
I attended the Congress and listened to discussions
in the house of representatives and Senate. They
don`t have restriction of quorum. In the Senate when
one member was speaking the President was
listening and later other members joined slowly. No
other Senators were present then.
On 20th August 1963 I was present at President
Kennedy`s press conference. I sat in the front row ,
two yards distance from President Kennedy. The
only non white in that line. He looked very active
with very expressive eyes and fair complexion. He
made a speech saying that ` It is not our aim to allow
a special quota to the Blacks. We aim at the unity of
the Whites and the Blacks`. Can either our president
or prime minister say that? Next day I had
discussions with higher officials of the state
department. One of them who toured Andhra asked
me about some people and noted their names. When
the discussion was about the relationship between
Nehru and Communism, I remarked that Nehru was
more a communist than the world knew about him.
The statement sparked the discussion to take a
serious turn. I could convince them and later
discussion included many other topics.

45

I had discussions with important members of both

the Republican and Democratic parties in their
national offices. They told me many things and
taught me many things. I told them about partyless
democracy, humanist movement, sarvodaya and so
many other aspects. I gathered their opinions too.
I had been to their Supreme court, met the staff and
had discussions regarding the court fee, pauper
applications and so many other important matters.
The court building built in Roosevelt`s time exuded
peacefulness.
The next memorable of my experiences was the
procession of Blacks on 28th August. The Blacks
form more than half the population of Washington.
That day the Blacks gathered at the feet of the
Lincoln Statue coming from all corners of the
country. They placed their Rights petition at the feet
and cried saying aloud that `you announced our
freedom from slavery in 1863 but still we are not
free`. Then they took their petition to the White
house and submitted it to Kennedy. It was a very
touching scene one could never forget. That was the
day one lakh Whites and one lakh Blacks came
together as Americans promising to fight for
minorities. That day the whole America turned
tearful.

46

Then I left for New York where I saw the buildings

touching the sky, playing with clouds. It is
considered a small building if it is less than 25
stories.
New York is the city of cities with more than 90 lakh
population (1963). Four Islands -Manhattan,
Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens and Bronx together
formed New York. There are huge bridges
connecting all places. Their transport system is
wonderful. The Hudson river and the Atlantic ocean
gave its geographical shape to New York.
We went to Hyde park which is 10 miles away. That
was president Roosevelt`s home. As we were taking
a tour we can hear a broad cast rendered by Eleanor
Roosevelt in her mild tone- she talked very
impressively about her house and her husband. It is
the place for innumerable memorials. We felt as
though we met Eleanor Roosevelt personally. We
saw their garden and their burial places.
I met many friends, visited prominent churches,
courts, Newspaper offices, Rockfeller center, the
office of the International farmers organization and
Humanist organizations.
We went to Buffalo to see Niagara. I saw Niagara in
the evening. We stayed at Red coach Inn. Met friends
and enjoyed dinners. In the night we had been to
47

Canada to see Niagara Falls from that side. We took

a tour of 25 miles. Niagara is a rich area with fruit
gardens, where peaches, apples, grapes are grown
abundantly.
From Buffalo we went to Eaton. Then I went to Mr
Kauffman`s house in Campbell town where I spent 3
days. I had gathered more information about their
agriculture and municipal administration.
We traveled from Eaton to Dayton and then to
Chicago. It is a big city with 70 lakhs population (
1963). It has connections to us since the days of
Vivekananda. There are backward areas, a very good
art gallery and a national museum. It is a city of
lakes. Though they are called lakes, they look like
seas with high waves, and ships passing. There is a
big fish industry. It is a funny city. You see sudden
climatic changes -The sun giving away to rain in no
time. Before you know you are caught in the cold
blasts, whirlwinds.
Bahai religion is founded there. We see it in Delhi
and other places. I went to the office of the Chicago
daily , the news paper of the Blacks. The editor
seriously participated in Loshart revolution. I also
talked with him and other Black leaders about their
problems. They took me to their homes and treated
as though as though I was one among them. I had
been to Waukegan where they make 90 kinds of
48

solutions, 30 kinds of capsules, plastic containers,

needles and many other such supplies. There are
250 Ph.d`s, 4000 employees, 1500 in research field,
1500 are working in the production side. They arrive
there in 3500 cars and 600 kinds of medicines they
make there. They get extra help to buy clothes, shoes,
medicines and other things.
If any worker is found out of sorts or unwell the co
workers find out his problem and the company pays
for his treatment as well. This kind of help is found
in many companies.
I visited UNO office and Humanist organizations.
Chicago University is very prominent. There are
Telugu books, news papers and magazines . I found
Tamil, Urdu and Hindi books. They are teaching
Urdu, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu was included their
program.
In the library I picked up Andhra Patrika of 7th June.
I showed them my picture printed with news of my
America tour. They were happy to see it saying that I
was already there in their library. I too joined their
laughter saying `you come to know of it because I
showed it to you`.
There is an interstate organization in Chicago. It
studies the various laws passed by the states and

49

prepare the reports .They work for the unity of laws

among the states.
There is an Attorney-generals` organization of
various states. I had gone through their reports and
has discussions with them. I could gather lots of
information through these discussions.
From Chicago I went to Milwaukee by train. That
was my first and last train journey which was
comfortable. I visited Wisconsin university and met
many professors there. There were 3600 students
there.
I participated in discussions regarding education,
decentralization, administration, youth problems,
agriculture, news papers. I met the editors of
Milwaukee journal, Milwauke Sentinal and gave a
speech in their press club. That was the club where
the great personalities like Theodore Roosevelt,
President Wilson and Robert Ingersoll were
speakers. There they get the signatures of the
speakers and preserve them on a framed black
board. My signature too is found on it.
I was invited for dinner by a Punjabi and a Keralite
who married American. They were leading a happy
married life. They are respected by other people. The
usual discussions followed after dinner.

50

I went to Madison by Bus. Met many Telugu families

there. Telugu has been taught to the interested
students. The children there are able to learn
reasonable Telugu in 11 weeks. They have a library
with Telugu books. I presented Bhagavadgita by
Kaviraju (Tripuraneni Ramaswamy) to that library.
I had discussion with Peace Corps founders,
attended youth meetings. It was the day of school
reopening day and welcoming the new students. I
delivered speeches in the university and returned to
Milwaukee. Those days greatly helped me to
understand the American way of life.
Then I visited Minneapolice-the capital of Minnesota
State. It is the center for industries and agriculture.
I met the people in the state Democratic party office,
met the state Attorney. The discussions I had with
the New York Attorney General. I compared with
my discussions with others. Though there were
differences in ideas, major issues are the same. That
very evening I attended a meeting with Indian
students. In my meeting with the Vic-chancellor of
the universities many interesting issues came up. I
met some Telugu families, saw the library there and
gave a radio talk.
I visited their milk production centers and
agricultural units. I had discussions with George
51

Peterson and news staff at the offices of Minneapolis

Star and Minneapolis Tribune. They sought more
information from me about India, five year plans,
Nehru, China war and many other aspects. George
Peterso while appreciating the meeting with me
wrote to me:
`Dear Mr Murthy`,
Thank you for your card from San Francisco . I want
you to know how much I enjoyed your visit. I learnt
more from you about the Indian political situation
than I have from any other person , be he from India
or not. I hope when you get back this way again you
will stop in for another visit.`
His letter is the indication of the depth of our
discussions for three hours.
Next I visited San Francisco, the queen of the
American cities.Among big cities I liked Washington,
and San Francisco and Milwaukee , Fresno and
Little Rock among small cities. Just as New York is
prominent in the east just so is San Francisco in the
west. They call it great west city. San Francisco is the
gateway to the Asians to come to America. For
Europeans New York is the gate way.
Those two cities are most powerful cities in the
eastern and western parts of America.

52

It is the city of ups and downs. You travel on the

roads, as high as our palm tress, suddenly
descending down to roads as low as valleys.The
forming of the United nations organization took
shape here in the civic center. Peace negotiations
with Japan materialized here in 1951. Five days
before the announcement of declaration of American
Independence reverend Francisco inaugurated a
church building here. Its roof is covered with tiles
similar to ones we use in India. Those tiles might
have been imported either from Italy or India. Rome
had been built on seven hills like our Tirupati
temple. San Francisco is built on 32 hills, we find
910 feet high monuments here.
The first ship said to have reached this part in 1775.
San Francisco is famous for its Golden gate bridge,
Japan tea garden Mure redwood. The city is
surrounded by water on three sides- a very hot place.
There are many Secularists and Humanists here. They
have their own news papers and publications. I met
Mary Morean , Loid Morean, and Bernard Rocca, the
secularist. It was a pleasant experience to talk to them.
From there I went to Fresno, in California state. The
state is the major food providing center to America.
Fresno being the central place is the major food
growing place with 213 varities of food crops grown.
Per head income is not less than 20,000 rupees. Fifty
53

seven nationals live there. One in seven is a foreigner .

One can imagine what a mixture the life is in Fresno.
It is the major agricultural center. I attended the press
conference and gave a radio talk. I addressed a public
gathering and delivered a speech in the University
there. The series of questions they put showed their
interest.
The punjabi friend who had been living there for 40
years hosted me a dinner. I attended lawyers` dinner
and tea parties hosted by artists. Fresno is a beautiful
small city.
From there my next stop was at Los Angeles. It is a
strange city. America is known for its very busy life
style, Los Angeles is the busiest.
Hollywood is here near Disney land. It has the smell
of Japan as well as China, a big city with its dirty
localities. Los Angeles Times is their largest prominent
news paper. It has many strange features. I had very
fruitful discussions with the members of the
Education board there.
I spent a day with municipal administrators learning
their system.
I had dinner with the family of Irving Stone - the
famous novelist. It was 109 degree hot day. Hence we
all spent a lot of time in their swimming pool. It was
54

such a pleasant time for me. Watching city from their

home itself was a thrilling experience. Stone is a
pleasantly romantic person.
A lawyer`s family invited me for dinner. The couple,
their two sons and a daughter-in law are lawyers.
After dinner discussion was a memorable event. They
told me many things and extracted a lot of information
from me through their intelligent questions.
We had been to Hollywood, watched film shootings. I
gave a radio talk on M.N.ROY -RADICAL HUMANISM`. They wrote to
me the following letter`Dear Mr Murthy, We are pleased to inform you that
KPFA will present `The Radical Humanism of M N
.Roy` on Friday, December 6. 1963 at 1 pm. The
program is a recording of your talk with John
Ohlinger.
Thank you for the opportunity to present this
programme to our audience. KPFA is heard
throughout most of Northern California. If there are
any groups or individuals whom you would like us to
notify, please let us know. `
Such is their good will and appreciation.
It took a day for me visiting Disney Land. University
campus is great.
55

Then we had been to Phoenix in Arizona state. From

there we went to Flagstaff, took a bus to see Grand
canyon. After that we came back to Flagstaff and from
there I flew to Phoenix in the night. That was my
second flight in the night in America, first being from
New York to Washington. This is the place of Red
Indians- the Aboriginals. They are called Red Indianssharing the name with India, because of the mistaken
identity of Columbus.
Who are these Indians? America in reality is their
country. But now they are insignificant. In 1492 when
Columbus found America it was ruled by them. It was
their land.
Now they are 4 lakh population. 60 lakh acres of land
is in their hands. They dont have any part in the
country`s government. The oldest among them do
not come anywhere near the modern life. They like to
stay back in their old style. But their younger
generation is getting amalgamated with Americans by
learning English and dressing like Americans. It looks
as though the Red Indian tribe is going to be a part of
history soon. We can see the plastic Red Indians in
Disney land it is difficult to find them in person there.
Their style of dressing shows that they are closer to
our aboriginals.- our Koya and hill tribes wear horns
as part of their dressing. So do the Red Indians.

56

In 1540 Spanish people met the Red Indians in New

Mexico. They were amazed at the weaving of their
cotton clothes. They were believed to be expert
weavers of cloth even by 700 AD/ They surpassed our
Indian Art in weaving. The historical researchers
came to that conclusion. Their weaving art is called
`NAVAHO`.. Hopi Indians are a different race among
them who weaved baskets of various sizes, made
earthen pots and painted them in unsurpassed
designs. That was their historical past.
Social researchers found out that Anasaji tribe
excelled in basket weaving by 500 A.D. It was their
cottage industry. By 700 A D they took to agriculture.
They are also called PIMA Indians. Pripago is another
tribe among Red Indians.
In their art their feelings and emotions were
expressed.
We come to know that they were experts in archery,
sword fight, wrestling and hop jumping. 1500 years
back their culture was prominent and very ancient
too. There is not much research done to know about
the evolution of their language.
I was not able to meet them and talk to them.
Americans are considering them as a race going to be
extinct soon. Their population swing gives that
impression. No centralized information about them is
57

available there. Their story is going to be history. It

can remain a dream story.
From Phoenix we went to Dallas in Texas state. This
state is famous for food grains, sheep, goats and cows.
It is one of the support states to America. It was here
Kennedy was assassinated. From Dallas I went to
Little Rock in Arkansas State. This is the center where
they fought for Black students in 1957. When I was
there there were demonstrations in the next state
Alabama. I went to Little Rock to observe what those
disturbances can teach us to face minority
disturbances in our country.
Once upon a time they fought here too racial wars but
now they are leading a steady peaceful life
unprovoked by the next door racial disturbances.
I liked the way of Little Rock people. We can learn a
lot from them. We harassed and even killed some
muslims having come to know that in east Pakistan,
Hindus were treated badly. We did not even verify
the truth about the Hindus there. The stories of Little
Rock can teach us many lessons.
In Little Rock I had observed their municipal
administration and their efficient agriculture system. I
heard about their racial pride in the past and could see
how united they are at present. I saw Astrostrat play
of M.R.A. The audience consisted of two thirds Blacks
58

and rest Whites. They watched the play in all their

simplicity and feeling of unity. During intermission
they had lively discussion.
Little Rock had fully understood the problems faced
by the Blacks. I saw their social welfare activities. I
was really amazed to know how Americans take care
of many matters without looking at the government
for help.
I had been to the university there. I met many people
and the Black activists. I saw even the cattle market
there apart from visiting several places.
From there itself I sent an article to Gopichand
Memorial souvenir. I stayed at hotel San Peck which
was once the stronghold of racial superiority and
pride. But not even a trace of that I could feel here.
People are the same but their thinking changed for
better. Their views helped them to work for peace
among the people.
From Little Rock we went to Nashville. We could see
the greatness of Tennessee river which has its origin
in Minnisota state. We came there to go to Tennessee
valley authority. (T.V.A) to be appraised of their
agricultural developments.
In India we fight over river waters. We give political
color to technology. So we went there to look at the
problems regarding river waters with scientific bent of
59

mind and research oriented method. We travelled a

long distance, saw many dams. We could grasp the
greatness of Roosevelt and how America was
reconstructed after 1933. We saw their projects which
turned the mountain areas into beautiful gardens.
That was the last lap of my journey. Came back to
Washington and stayed in Windsor Park Hotel. We
went to Indian Embassy. It looked very inactive as
though nothing happens. There met Telugu friends,
had dinners with them. My summing up meeting took
place with the State department officials. They were
not antagonistic to me, as before. They accepted me
having seen the strength of my arguments.
I went to United States Information Bureau and gave a
brief report of my travel experiences.
I hosted a dinner to Paul Smith and Gratia who
planned and carried my travel arrangements. George
Dimitraff gave me a dinner.
Having summed up my work in Washington I
returned to New York. I met Rooth Sigman, went to
dinners at Church centers and witnessed church
services.
I spoke in a Humanist meeting. Met R.G. Ingersoll`s
grand daughter. Even his family is following the great
humanist`s ideas.
The International Farmer`s

60

organization hosted me a dinner and Boucher told

me many things about East Europe.
I met Ellen Roy`s elder brother Robert Gostalk in the
hotel and discussed many things. Remembering
Ellen`s murder both of us shed tears like close family
members.
I met some prominent people at the Ethical Union,
exchanged ideas. They asked me to write articles.
At all the places I visited I was welcomed heartily,
treated cordially and honored respectfully. I left all
those people behind taking 707 Jet flight from New
York to England on 14th October. I carried with me
the memories of their hospitality, their appreciation of
exchanging our thoughts and ideas, of letting them to
know about India.
Whom do I thank and how do I thank for my
wonderful American tour and the rich experience it
provided me with!

61

Education system
We have to observe and study deeply the education
system of a country to see whether it has a better
future and can create the opportunities to prove
themselves the best citizens.
Americans are of the opinion that their education
system at all levels is devised for strengthening their
democracy. They say that it is framed in terms of
democratic ideology.
So we can observe and measure their education
system according to their standards.
Their education system is centered around the
importance they give to the individual. Elementary
and secondary education are devised to make a person
a complete being. Education helps the individual to
play his role efficiently in the democratic set up. He
should be able to think and come to proper decision
on his own. He must be able to respect other person`s
individuality and must be able to deal with different
opinions of others keeping the development of the
individual in view. American system of education has
been framed from that view. They claim that their
education helps people to be responsible citizens.
Their aim is to give good education to all its children .
62

They have decentralized education system and they

assert that they are not against the people who have
different opinion.
In America they have 50 thousand school districts in
all their 50 states. These districts are managed by
Boards. These Boards are the elected bodies in those
districts. Their education system is decided by those
boards basing on the budget allocation of the states.
The boards are responsible for income and
expenditure.
By 1870 there were 20% illiterates in America. Slowly
that figure dwindled by 1959. Only disabled and the
very old remained in that category.
There are 7900 public libraries, 2000 college libraries
and 42 thousand school libraries apart from great
number of private libraries and many more
established by various organizations.
Books are published and sold on a large scale. They
help the promotion of education.
Their education institutes are established in
interesting way. 65% of colleges, universities, technical
education schools are run by private and also church
managements. These institutions are run by the boards
elected by special charters. The syllabus courses and
text books are decided in consultation with the
teachers who work there.

63

The public education institutes are run by the

government and the municipalities. Trusty boards are
decided upon either by Senate or municipal mayor, or
governor or their elected members. The courts have
supervisory rights over them.
These institutions enjoy full freedom. There is very
little protest against such freedoms. Americans aim at
practicing the freedom in all their education
institutions.
By 1962 there are 99% of students in between the ages
6-13 in the elementary education. 88% in high school
students are between 14 and 17 years of age.
They have six years of (3 primary 3 elementary level)
primary and 6 years of secondary education system.
Every citizen should complete secondary education
being in school for 12 years. Thus education is free
and also compulsory in all States.
There were one crore and 10 lakh students in
secondary education in 1962, 39 1/2 of young people
between 18 and 21 years are in colleges making the
number 37 lakhs by 1962. They were expecting the
number to go up by 3 or 4 lakhs more.
After the secondary education the students an pursue
their studies for 2 year junior colleges. Such colleges
are found everywhere. There are almost 6000 such
colleges. More than 4 lakh students study there.

64

The number of students in different colleges is

increasing year by year. By 1962 the degrees issued are
6 lakh 23 thousand.
In the secondary schools books are given free of costthis is done in many states. All schools have canteens,
State and Federal government allot special budgets
for providing food. They also give special fund for
advising and consultations to students.
There are special education schemes for war-veterans
and the old people. One crore 10 lakh war veterans
availed grants in the scheme. Federal government
spent 9000 crore rupees under this scheme. Every
person is directly paid in the name of allowances.
By 1962 one crore senior citizens benefited by their
special education scheme.
Elementary education is almost similar in all the
States. High school education is divided into two
systems. Those who wanted private college education
have a different scheme, a different for those who are
in technical education. General education is common
to all. Those who go to junior colleges the system is
not much different.
700 colleges out of 2150 are under State municipal
administration. 60% students study here .It is almost
free education. Nominal fee is collected in some. 500
institutions are under private management, 800 are
under church managements.
65

Each university is treated as university city. There are

different schools of education in it. A trust Board
manages them. Science, arts, degree, under graduate
courses, medicine, general education schools are all
built in one campus. Head of such a university is
called Chancellor or President.
In such institutions, education meets high standards.
They have sports, dance, music, theater arts and
creative writing. Then student unions play prominent
role.
Their essential expenditure 1,13,500 crores of rupees
nationwide. They spent 1500 crores for building
construction in 1962. They dont hesitate to spend but
insist on maintaining students.
They call the head of the school Principals, we call
head masters. Our head masters are responsible for
the accounts as well as teaching. The principals in
American schools take care of teaching and discipline.
Superintendents look after free collection, salary
disbursement and other accounts. Superintendent is
like our manager. He has nothing to do with teaching
and discipline. Like our headmasters their principals
do not work like head clerks. Each superintendent is
allotted some schools to look after.
The whole country is divided into Education districts.
Voters of each district elect 5 or 7 members for their
Board-one being the President. All schools in that
66

district come under the management of this Board.

This Board is responsible for all matters of education
there working as the middleman for government,
people and the institutes. Government bears 20 or 25
per cent of the expenses. The rest is from the taxes and
donor funds. Only a nominal special fee is collected
from students-private colleges collect more fee than
the committee colleges.
Education board of the district prepares estimates of
expenditure in a school year and prepare reports for
budget proposals. For each school this budget
proposal is prepared.
The budget proposals are referred to the people for
their approval-it is called
referendum. The
referendum quotes extra quotes the extra amount they
need that year and seek their consent.
If people vote in favor of the proposal of the Board the
proposals are accepted , if not the proposal meet a set
back. The previous year budget approval stands as it
is. Only the extra proposals have to be voted by the
people.
I observed and found in different states those in the
past 25 years, the additional proposals of school
board were never met negative vote. In all the states
the district education boards were voted in favor by
the people because they are for education and want
their children to get best education. This is one of the
67

ways of life in America. They believe that their

democracy is principally based on foundations of
education. We can see that in practice.
Even we contribute for elementary education in India.
Every farmer pays education tax too along with land
tax. He us forced to do it and they are not aware that
they paying for education.
In America people voluntarily pay their taxes. This
system has nothing to do with government. Their
willingness to pay taxes is to be greatly appreciated.
Of all the education districts in America, New York
district is the best . Los Angeles comes next. Under
New York board there are 550 schools, 117 high
schools, 7 junior colleges, 27 senior citizen schools and
the rest are elementary and kindergarten schools. 725
thousand students study in them. I had at length
discussed with the Board president Meriteen Gols.
Their interest and dedication to education is laudable.
The district education board spent rupees 79 crores in
1955, rupees 76.50 crores in 1958, 63 crores on building
construction alone. Their budget for 1963-64 happened
to be 170 crore rupees compared to our state budget!
The state government gives 30% of the budget, 70% is
borne by the people who volunteer to pay taxes and
vote for referendum.

68

The state government has no control on this Board.

They may occasionally give some suggestions. Their
education boards are completely autonomous.
The courses, the syllabus, the standards are decided
by the Board. Teachers play great role in syllabus
framing and selection of text books. In this the Board
or the government do not interfere. They practice
autonomy imparting education.
Everywhere I went and met the teachers I used to ask
their opinion about nationalization of text books. They
used to reply that it was a very horrible system. They
used to ask me whether we have that horrible system
in India.
When I said that we have `horrible system` in India,
their response was, `we heard that Nehru is a socialist,
how did he give his consent to this system? I could see
how shocked they were.
I told them that with Nehru`s consent only the system
works there. This is one his aims- I said. They
remained in utter amazement and could`t remark
further.
Some asked me what was my opinion about
nationalization of text books. My reply- We
humanists oppose this system. We are working
against it in our country`. One teacher asked me
whether we can change the system through law
courts.
69

About the teachers---- Every teacher should have a

B.A, or B.SC degree and also should have the
certificate or license to teach the subject he opts for.
There degrees are a must for the teachers from
elementary to Higher education. Teachers with higher
degrees, it teach in schools, get a little higher pay.
The basic salary of an elementary teacher is rupees
26,000. He will reach to rupees 50,500 salary as he puts
in more years of service. If a teacher has M.A degree
he gets rupees 100 more every month and a Ph.D
holder gets an annual increase of rupees 2500.
Each teacher gets a thousand rupees increase every
year. Within 13 or 14 years of service they will reach
the maximum pay scale. Like our Provident fund they
have retirement fund. 8% of salary is deducted for
this fund apart from regular tax cuts.
These pay scales differ from Board to Board. But no
body gets less than rupees 22,000 annually. Teachers
working in big cities get more pay basing on the
standard of life there.
There are 22 lakh teachers in various schools. They
play prominent role in Nation building.
When I was in Chicago, New York teachers served a
strike notice under the leadership of united federation
of teachers. There were 40 thousand teachers in New
York.

70

There is a law regarding these strikes. In case of strike

any citizen can get a stay order from the court against
the board that teaching should not be stopped for
children. A citizen has that right. Their conviction is
that in no way student should suffer.
There were 203 colleges years ago, but now there are
2150 colleges and one in 1500 youth go to college.
Now 2 in 5 people study in college. Under Abraham
Lincoln`s Land -grant proposal the government
allotted 70 lakhs 30 thousand acres of land to the
colleges. This change took place in the past 100 years
time.
There is no comparison between our budget and
theirs. We have differences in the basic system itself.
We can bring in some changes to cut short the
differences.
Our dependence on government has been slowly
increasing. Taking advantage of this the government is
asserting its total control. You may say that it is not
wrong in the people`s government. The question is
whether the government is hesitating to give
administration rights to the people. Amid these
doubts the government usurped the authority.
Our law makers are thinking of amending
constitution allowing more control to central
71

government. That is the major difference between us

and America.
The Los Angeles education board had included 345
courses in their syllabus.
What I observed in their universities is that they
divide each course into several areas and offer
teaching. In our universities they divide it into 20 to
40 sections and teach intensively.
Whether their system is good or bad, we cannot afford
such wide choice in a course.
American television plays a great role in teaching. Our
radio does that in India. But in television a student can
see the teacher at work giving the lesson so is case
with dancer or singer.
They have television in each house, some have in each
room.
Experts give lessons in television at fixed timings. The
teacher uses blackboard in his television lesson.
Children can sit in their homes and listen to the lesson
, they can take notes. If there is a request from them
that a particular lesson needs repetition the television
company complies with it and repeats that particular
lesson.

72

Certain Radio stations take the lessons from the text

books in those areas and teach daily basis. With this
the companies are known to the student community
and such radio companies get a strong hold.
There is possibility of answering questions posed by
the students. This system makes teaching easier and
effective.
This kind of teaching is done in America from
elementary level to higher level. Even college students
are able to the get benefits by this system.We should
adopt this new aspect from them.

73

Children are Children

Anywhere
While touring Ohio state we went to Jackson school at
Eaton. We wanted to see the children in their
classrooms, mainly up to sixth class.
We went to 4th class. Here first three classes are
considered primary and next three as elementary.
They call the classes `grades`. High schools are up to
12 th grade. Before that they study in middle school.
It is a beautiful building. There are 36 little ones in the
class. Boys and girls are in equal number. Mary
Sanders is their teacher. She introduced Pauline
Kaufman, my host, to the class telling them that she
brought the guest with her. She asked my host to
introduce me. Our names are difficult job for them.
I began to tell the kids about India- `your country
became independent from Britain 200 years ago. We
got independence from the same Britain 16 years
back. You and me are brothers. We are younger
brothers to you as we become independent much later

74

than you.` All the children clapped enthusiastically `

being our brothers`.
Your country is much bigger than our country, you
are 19 crore population where as we are 45
crores(1963).
The children looked at their teacher and then at each
other and they blew their cheeks in surprise.
`We are trying to educate all our children . You don`t
yet have full number of teachers, we are much behind
you. It will take quite some time for us.
Our children are good and well -disciplined like you.
This compliment made them smile.
I will show you where our country is. The teacher
spread the world map. -- Pointing to our country in
the map. I told them that we started from Bombay in
the morning and reached New York in the evening
flying 11 thousand miles within 22 hours. They
looked at me wide eyed.
I encouraged them to come forward with their
questions. Those who wanted to ask questions raised
their hands. The particular girl or boy I pointed out
asked the question. After I replied others raise their
hands. Till answer is given to a question others sit
quietly waiting for their turn.
The following are their questions:-

75

Do you have cats and dogs in your country? Do you

have rabbits? Do you have elephants? Do you have
squirrels, monkeys and lizards? We heard you have
flies and mosquitoes.
Do you have cows? I said -- we have cows and my last
name is Avula, the cow. They laughed and made me
laugh.
They address you as Mister. They asked me whether
our children dress like them. When I said yes, they
mostly dress like you. they looked at me
appreciating. A small girl wanted to know whether
our children wear shoes. I told them, some wear
shoes, some wear slippers. I showed them Bata
slippers I was wearing at that time. When I told them
that some children come bare foot, they could not
believe it and most of them said damn loudly. I had
to explain to them that the country is still poor. We
were slowly making arrangements to give all things
needed to our children. They did not know how to
react.
They asked whether all children have chairs, desks in
the class rooms. Each student had a chair and desk in
their class. I told them that we long benches with
writing boards attached and in primary classes we
have low benches only. I even told that in some
schools the children are made to sit on mats. I had to
explain what a mat is and their teacher helped them to
understand. Why like that ?- a little child asked. My
76

reply-- 1 we are able to meet our needs gradually.

When your grand parents studied in your country
they were also like us`. They looked at Pauline
Kaufman for answer.
One child asked whether our children study English. I
told them, -- initially we teach our children our mother
tongue- Telugu- your mother tongue is English--` One
girl asked - ` how could our children learn English. I
told them that we start teaching English to our
children in their 3rd class. One boy expressed his
doubt -- why not only English. I told them that our
children should learn their mother tongue first and
then English as it is international language .I advised
them to learn different languages when they grow up.
They agreed with me.
A very active girl asked -- How does your language
sound?
I first wrote my name in Telugu on their blackboard
and then same in English under that. I showed the
syllable wise division. I wrote TELUGU -ANDHRA on
board. They copied it in their notebooks and laughed.
One child asked me why should we have two names
for one language. I said - `We dont normally like that.
Our language is very sweet. So we have names`. I
laughed and they too joined me.
Let us listen to your language-- they all said in one
voice.
77

I know that our language is sweet as sugar blocksthat was the remark of Sri Krishnadevaraya about
Telugu. But my voice might not bring out all that
sweetness -I thought.
I first recited one verse of Vemana slowly, softly
and sweetly. I recited Kaviraju`s (Tripuraneni
Ramaswamy) verse -GUDIKI TARACHU BOYI
GUNUGUCHUNDEDI VAADU (GO TO TEMPLE
OFTEN AND GRUMBLE), and B.V.Narasimharao`s
poem `Gudilo bommalu palakavu, kadalavu; Badilo
bommalu palukunu, kadulunu` (The statues in temple
donot talk nor move but dolls in the class room can
talk and move.)
I told them that I can tell them such verses at length
for days together. They chirped, giggled and laughed.
That is their style.
The children in the front row were observing my
dress. I wore `dhoti and shirt` as per the advise of
Kaufman couple. Dhoti has a border. I told them that
our Telugu men dress like me showing my dhoti.
They looked wide eyed in amazement and remained
motionless like painted children, their faces beaming
with multiple expressions. Anybody will be enamored
looking at them.
Yes, children are children . They have hearts like soft
flowers, limitless innocence, clear minds and
wonderful expressions on their beautiful faces.
78

I told them that children are the same anywhere and

everywhere. Our children are just like you.
If you come to our country they they will also ask
questions similar to yours. The children are the same
worldwide.
They clapped joyfully and made me share their
blissfulness. They too are like our children. Not
different at all. All children have a world of their own.
I saw similar schools in Chicago, Milwaukee,
Minnesota, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The
children are unsurpassingly beautiful. They have well
disciplined schools. Their teachers are dedicated to
their work, satisfied with their service. Even the
parents like their childrens` schools very much.

79

Local administrative bodies

Next to the educational institutes the local bodies are
very important to them for promoting democracy in
America.
They divided their 50 states into 3050 counties. Each
county has its towns, cities and villages. There are 14,
424 administrative districts. In India we have been
considering local bodies as self governing centers.
Rippon started them in our country. When there were
discussions about self-governance and good
government we preferred self- governance.
During the British rule Panchayats and local self
governing bodies were established . Our people
expanded them gradually establishing decentralized
panchayat rule.
America does`nt have very old system like us. Only
after their independence in 1776 their local bodies
took shape. Though they differ in their local body
system from State to State, the major unit forming is
in their election system. The people`s opinion is
highly regarded locally.
Theirs is a very big country with over 36 lakh mile
area. Our country has 12 lakh mile area. Population

80

wise ours is a big country. US is small population

wise.
We adopted Panchayat rule. We passed panchayat raj
law. Panchayats in the villages have to follow that
law. Panchayat cannot be far and above its rules and
regulations.
American system is different. They don`t have law of
panchayat in their states. One may ask how they can
rule the villages without village panchayat law.
In America, each village decide upon a particular
system of administration. Those rulels and
regulations are fixed by voting method. The village
voters participate in it and establish their system of
administration. It is called their `charter`. Those
voters only have the right to change their laws.
Just as bye-laws in our cooperative bodies they too
have specific bye-laws. Taking them into
consideration each village can adopt administrative
rules suitable to them. Village has to nominally
permit their laws. They check whether their village or
municipal charters are appropriate with their
constitution and then give permission.
They should follow the rules in the Charter in day to
day administration. Their rules are regulated in the
charters and they have weight even if they are
opposed to the state rules.

81

City council elects a mayor and its councilors. One

member can submit his nomination papers to one
ward only when it falls vacant. One who gets more
votes is elected. A councilors term is of 4 years. The
competing member should be a voter for 3 years.
They have the recall right if they don`t like a
particular councilor they had elected earlier.
Mayor is the president of the council . He is head for
all functions. He is a paid member. If he goes to other
places on council work he gets his expenses too.
Similarly each counselor has his salary. He too gets
allowances if he is given additional work.
The council meets once in a week. Sometimes more
times as per the need. Council meetings are open for
public, anybody can attend them. The council has the
quorum system.
In their meetings any citizen can expose his needs, he
can take the help of a lawyer to represent his
requirement. He has that special right.
The matters by the council are called resolutions and
ordinances.
Council appoints a manager over chief administrator.
This manager appoints the office staff except the
financial secretary. In some places only council
appoints all the staff. In majority places the manager
does the work. The mayor or the councilors donot

82

interfere with manager`s duties. If they have to do

anything they get it done through council resolution.
Like us they appoint a lawyer as advisor to the
council. Apart from taking care of legal matters this
lawyer drafts resolutions and ordinances.
The head of a department appoints the staff in his
department. He manages them.
The salaries and allowances of the council staff are
registered in the charters themselves. The places
where such registration is not done the council takes
decisions.
The whole staff members work for 5 days in a week
and eight hours a day. The staff cannot work for any
body of council elections.
The council appoints different committees like planning commission, civil service board, tax board,
parks committee, police, fire department, zonal board,
appeals committee, administration advisors, boards
in charge of roadside trees, civil center committee,
housing board and such other committees.
Council can permit voting right to any one basing on
eligibility.
Police and fire department are under council`s
authority. Law and order is in council`s hand. Mayor
can work as the city commander if situation demands.

83

All the voters participate in all elections to the council

including the mayor. We divide into wards and elect
one member to each ward. They dont follow this
system. Once upon a time even our panchayat
president was elected by all citizens. Of late we
changed that and introduced the system of election of
the president by its members.
In some towns and villages there are mayors,
councilors elected by all their voters. It depends on
their charters.
Along with the councilors the voters elect a judge to
the municipal court and another to higher court.
Municipal courts take up civil cases involving rupees
15000, violation of municipal ordinances, small
claims, minor crimes. Superior court take up civil
cases involving more than one lakh rupee value,
crimes of minor children, robberies and other major
crimes. The lawyers elected should have law degree.
For rest of the councilors there is no education
prescribed. They get elected once in 6 years.
The salary of municipal court judge is fixed basing on
the income of that council. In Eaton he gets rupees
18,000 annually. In Fresno the judge gets an annual
salary of 1,30,000, city clerk gets rupees 52,000 and
the lawyer gets rupees 80,000 annually. finance
director and police chief get rupees 70,000, fire
department chief gets 70,000 rupees, public work
director gets 84,000 rupees. all their salaries are fixed
84

depending upon the income of expenditure and the

standard of living there.
Their system of administration :
Federal government levies some taxes and state
government some.
Education boards fixes their taxes. Municipal city
and village administration decide their taxes. State
assemblies look into certain taxes like taxes fixed by
local bodies, wealth tax, licenses, permits, service
charges, water tax, bus permits, business licenses for
animals, motors, gun licenses, vehicle tax, gas permit,
electricity permits, bicycle license, dividends, work
exercise permits, civil defence rebates, zoo taxes, leave
and toll gate taxes etc.
Their tax system is different from ours. Some if our
taxes are resolved by the council government. Hence
in America if the taxes are to be raised in comparison
with the previous year, they should prepare estimates
giving reasons for them and submit the report for
voters referendum. If the voters approve those taxes
their resolution becomes law. If they refuse it is not
treated as `no confidence motion. The voters opinion
counts there as basic principle of democracy. Their
opinion is the practical solution.
The information of all the taxes levied is sent to the
counties. The tax collection come under county
administration. They don't have separate tax
85

collectors for town, cities and villages. County staff

collects all sorts of taxes and deposit them to council
department.
In India municipality levies cinema tax. It is collected
by sales tax department. They deduct their
commission amount and send the rest to the
municipality. Tax collection system is convenient to
the citizens. They got information about all the
different taxes they have to pay and they pay it all
together.
Local bodies do not spend any thing on education. It
is the Education Boards responsibility only they
collect wealth tax as education tax.
If the population is over 5000 it becomes a city. If it is
low it comes under the village. City administration is
called municipal administration. The village
administration is also similar to it. They have special
taxes, separate police, fire department, sanitary and
water works, a mayor and a manager.
There is county commissioners board in the county
administration. They elect their president, they
appoint the staff they needed. They too can levy taxes
which will also also have effective city and village
councils.
Fresno population is 2.50 laks but their income is 11
crore rupees. Little Rocks income is 2.50 crore rupees.
Fresno is very rich area.
86

Even we have decentralized administration. Hence

we have to observe the American system. We can see
how important their people`s opinion is and how
they get their demands achieved. We should consider
how much their way could be adopted to our needs.
We have yet to do much research in the field of local
bodies. Local administration is the basic principle in
democracy. Our decentralization is great in theory
but it is failing in practice. We have to device ways to
strengthen our decentralization. We can notice the
American way with no expenditure involved. We can
adapt suitably to our administration of local bodies
and make the system worthwhile.

87

News Papers and Journalism

Democracy is promoted and protected by four pillars-education, local bodies, law courts and news papersmedia.
This is true not only in America but also in our
country. Dictatorships function differently. We have
nothing to do with them.
President of India Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan said that
India and America are the biggest democracies in the
world. News world is one of the strongest bases of
democracy. Individual freedom is primarily and
prominently regarded as the first principle in
democracy. To understand whether an individual is
free and whether he has freedom to speak, we have to
look at the freedom for news papers and freedom to
hold meetings for a cause. Freedom of speech is
strengthened in newspaper freedom and holding
meetings freely.
With all these freedoms an individual can have a safe
haven in the society.
Free news paper world will help to promote and
establish individual freedom. Hence it is essential to
know about the news world and journalism.
For a steady democracy the news and print media
should have absolute freedom.

88

If we have to interpret whether America is a steady

democracy we have to look into their various news
papers. They provide us with the essential picture of
their country.
Having paid serious attention to their news world I
came to the conclusion that this aspect in America
enjoys utmost priority and freedom and remains a
powerful social system.
The duty of the news papers is to tell the government
the ideas, opinions and needs of its people and
explain the people what a government is doing for
them. The news world should from time to time
suggest what is good for people in their system of
government and also show them if there are any
defects on either side. If this news paper world takes a
wrong direction it will be a blow to the general life of
people.
In dictatorship the news paper world works like
another government department. News papers are
used only to show that anything and everything done
by the government is right. They cannot correct the
mistakes or wrong steps of government. The news
world in dictatorships demeans, degrades it self which
is equal to suicide.
America is superior democracy and its news papers
maintain equally superior standards.

89

Rabindranath Tagore said that the literature of the

particular people will show us what their culture is.
On the similar analogy we may say-- show us your
country's news papers, we will tell you what your
culture is --May be Radhakrishnan`s remark means
the same!
There are a great number of news papers in America
and every person reads some news paper or the other.
All kinds of news papers put together there are 12
thousand of them in America. There are 1890 dailies,
9500 weeklies, rest of them are monthlies and
bimonthlies. They have news papers even in remote
corners. People are educated, they have money to buy
news papers readily available in their area.
Dailies are sold upto 6 crore copies and weeklies 2.50
crores each day. In bigger cities they take out 5 or 6
editions of a paper. They publish Sunday specials on a
very large scale.
A small number of news papers are run by Republican
and Democratic parties. Though not much to do with
those parties they support these parties for promotion
of their business. Major number of news papers are
published by private business people. they run them
as per their views and values.
Very few weeklies are in the hands of parties majority
papers are run independently with the news value.

90

They have a variety of news papers which reach even

the remote villages. Their news paper size is
shockingly big, even smallest papers are big in size
when compared to our big news papers. Even the
news papers in remote areas have not less than 50
pages. Sunday editions crosses 100 pages. News
papers in major cities contain 100 to 150 pages daily.
On Sunday they go up to 200 to 300 pages. On
Sunday they bring out even up to 500 pages and some
even have up to 600 pages too. I heard that their
Christmas, Independence day editions have 700
pages. New York Times and Los Angeles Times did
that.
The size of their dailies leave us wonder struck .
The news print used annually by the New York Times
alone is equal to the news paper used by all our news
papers put together. With that information in view we
can surmize the size of their larger news papers.
I have seen the Washington Post, The New York
Times, New York Herald, Chicago Tribune, Dayton
times, Milwaukee Sentinel , Milwaukee Journal,
Minneapolis Star, Minneapolis Tribune, the SanFransisco Times, The Los Angeles Times. They are
among the largest news papers.
Almost all the news papers allot more than half space
for advertisements. Some news papers charge highly

91

for an advertisement. The New York Times a full page

advertisement costs $ 6000 approximately.
Majority of the news papers are published by
individuals. There are chain news papers nationally.
There are papers run on cooperative basis. Some
papers are run by employees themselves who have
75% share in them. They don`t have papers owned by
the government. Even we dont have government
news papers.
Majority of the papers do not support any party or its
ideology. Some publish news papers independently
depending on issues and the occasion. Such papers are
large in numbers. Very few lean towards either
Republican or Democratic party. Some have a via
media approach.
In these papers there are advertisement politics which
play a significant role.
A kind of superficial reporting is mostly seen. Very
few go deep into the matter and report it. Those who
read the news do not pay much attention to what was
happening in other countries. We take more interest in
prominent events of the world. May be it is our
national chatacteristic.
We are under foreign rule when news papers were
taking shape in our country. Most of them were
following the British tradition. Our papers started
giving first place to news from Britain and Europe,
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second place to our national news and third to our

state news. Even now we see that sort of approach. All
our papers are national and international ones, hence
their news takes priority . Of late a bit of change is
seen but very slow change is on the way.
We have more fascination for national and
international news than the local news. We have to
study this aspect-whether we became like that
because of our news papers or our news papers are
like that because of us.
American news papers prioritize local news primarily
giving national news second and international news
third place. And hence people give preference to the
local news. Perhaps their way may not appeal to us
much.
All news papers in Europe, England are similar.
Among them Russian system is a bit different.
That is the reason why very few discuss foreign
affairs here. This could possibly be so because of the
effect of James Monroe scheme. For over a hundred
years the Americans kept themselves confined to
their life, their country and lived in a kind of isolation
making it their national characteristic .
Of all American news papers The New York Times is
considered the most important national news paper.
Not only in New York but also in the west coast this
paper has special publication. They bring out
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European edition in Paris. Apart from this The New

York Herald, The Los Angeles Ties, The Washington
post and Chicago Tribune come under national
papers.
During my two months tour in America, I happened
to see the news about India in American press only
four or five times. Some papers publish news received
from the special reporters from Delhi. If we miss
seeing Sunday papers we have to wait for the
following Sunday for Indian News. The New York
Times. The New York Herald, The Washington Post,
The Los Angeles Times publish such news on Sunday.
For example Nehru dropped many ministers from his
cabinet in the name of Kamaraj scheme. I came to
know of it only through letters from friends. It is a
great news for us. But here the news papers didnt
carry that news at all. Even European papers are like
that. Being once upon a time our rulers Britain is a bit
better in this aspect.
People here buy weeklies. I thought they would not
read them much. I went to a dinner at the invitation of
lady. There are many news papers in Tennessee state. I
asked her what she was interested in those papers.
She guessed my interest. She said `ask me about any
main article in those papers, I can talk about it.` I told
her that I was not testing her. She said that people here
read news papers. Both of us shared the laughter

94

when I said that they may be having problem with

books.
The way they sell the news papers is interesting to
note. They keep papers at the street corners along with
a bar to drop the price in. The person picks a paper
and drops money-10 cents on week days, 20 cents on
Sunday issue in the box. There is every possibility to
steal the paper and also money from the box. But
nobody does that there. In the past 25 years such a
thing (stealing) happened once or twice , I heard.
The papers are sold through machine. You drop 10
cents in the slot, one news paper comes out of the
machine. If you don`t drop money you cannot get the
paper out.
You can buy news papers in the book shops, hawkers
sell them in the streets and there is home delivery too.
Their papers are voluminous. Apart from local,
national and international news there are separate
sections for women, sports, entertainment, and also
kids section, story section. You not only find
advertisements in all pages but also include special
sections for classified ads.
In our papers we find news by `our reporter` or `our
special reporter`. Here the news is given with the
name of that particular reporter. It is a good method.
People can see which reporter is efficient in
presenting the news. There is possibility for the new
95

reporters to come up in career as good reporters. Their

photos are also given along with their names. This is
an important aspect of their news world.
I am a news paper writer. I am associated with small
papers like -Radical Humanist, and Sameeksha
(Telugu monthly). Hence I took special interest in
American news papers having been a special guest in
their country.
I went to The Washington Post`s office in Washington.
I was talking to the editor-meanwhile it was time for
him to attend the daily meeting with the other
members of his editorial board. He took me to their
meeting as a friend.
We don`t have such routine here in India, though the
editor gives suggestions and other members carry
them out.
In that meeting 32 members were present. Their daily
carries 100 pages each day. It has different sections.
Leaving the space for advertisements specified by the
manager, they discussed what news has to be given
prominence, which news goes in which page etc. Some
reporters demanded for more space for their features,
the managing editor settled the matter.
As per their discussion white pages are given to all
with marking of the news, secifying certain news.
The meeting takes place between 2-3 in the afternoon
everyday. They leave the meeting and start working
96

according to the plan. The next day I saw the paper

.Every bit of news was published as per the plan in the
previous day meeting. Attending their editorial board
meeting has been `education` to me.
The friend asked me whether our news papers follow
a similar system. The lady in charge of women`s
section asked me whether we have such a section.
I said `we don`t have such large papers. On week days
they print 6 to 8 pages, on Sundays 10 to 12 pages`.
One editor wondered what could we write in such
small size papers.I smiled saying that our papers
publish news basing on its value or importance. The
paper has circulation of 4.50 lakh on week days and
5.50 lakhs on Sunday.
The chief editor meets other editorial board members
each day and helps shape the next day`s issue. He
does`nt have business responsibility.
The American New Papers have an editorial page
editor with his assistants. they all write editorials on
different subjects.
I have seen our big news papers. I have seen their big
news papers. The New York Times, Chicago Tribune
and The Los Angeles Times. There is no comparison.
They have mechanical facilities which involve huge
expenditure. We don`t have such facility.
The circulation of The New York Times is 7,16,210 on
week days and on Sunday -12 47 782 copies.
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The Los Angeles Times prints 7 lakh copies on each

day and 10 lakhs on Sunday.
All large papers print 200 to 300 pages on week days
and 400 to 500 pages on Sunday. Of all these papers
The Los Angeles Times has some modern mechanical
facilities. they have one `thinking machine`. It is called
` brain computer`, it is a very strange machine.
One dictates the news item, another types, a third
records it on the tape recorder. This taped news is
taken care of by 3 or 4 others who add or cut the news
as per the importance. That copy is finally approved
by the chief editor.
They feed this final copy and tape recorded copy into
the ` thinking machine` and press the switch. Both the
copies go in and a corrected version comes out from
the other end of machine- it carries all the corrections
done in the typed copy. The final `ready to print`
comes out immediately.
This final corrected version is fed into composing
machine. It prints 10 columns a minute and continues
working like that .
Such a machine is there in The Los Angeles Times
office. 350 people work there in the editorial section.
With this `automation` paper work has become easy
with the possibility of losing jobs for many. Hence the
management, instead of losing the existing staff, gives

98

them `automation` training and allot them different

types of work.
I went to the office of The Milwaukee Journal and the
Milwaukee Sentinel. The journal favors the
Democratic party and Sentinel favors the Republican
party. Journal news paper bought the Sentinel. The
Journal has daily circulation of 3.50 lakh copies. The
journal is the evening paper. The Journal staff and
Sentinel staff have 7.50% shares. H.S Ringer and
Russell Austin are the backbone to these papers. I
went into their building and saw their machines.
I saw Minneapolis Tribune and Minneapolis Star-both
are run by one management. Tribune is the morning
edition and Star is the evening edition. I saw their
work efficiency and their machines. My interaction
with Paul G. Pearson and his staff was very interesting
and hearty. He is one among the best individuals I met
in America.
I could understand a number of news aspects in the
news world there by going to major news paper
offices and meeting their great editors . Their honesty
and dedication to work is clearly evident and it is a
great experience to me.
Some of their news papers conduct competitions in
education, social activities to the students. They give
gifts to the winners. They motivate students to take

99

interest in social issues and activities as a means of

cultivating social awareness.
Minneapolis Star and Tribune have been conducting
such programs for the past 16 years. Ten lakh students
and teachers were benefited under their projects.
Even other papers are getting ready to involve
themselves in such useful social activities.
Just as we have untouchables problem, the Americans
have Blacks problem. To solve that problem they have
special daily, weekly and monthly news papers. One
such paper I saw in Chicago daily Defender. I
discussed their problems with them. They are all
small papers. They give free space to publish their
problems. There may not be a need for special papers
for Blacks but each revolution needs to establish its
won papers. Once established they should be
promoted and run regularly.
There are radios and TVs for relaying and
broadcasting news. There are 4 crore 8 lakh families in
America. There are 4250 radio stations and 625 TV
stations .
All these are under private managements like their
news papers. Though government doesnot exercise its
power on them there are federal commission
regulations. They are not under any pressure from the
government.

100

Some news papers grow their own special forests and

they have machinery to prepare news print for their
consumption. The Los Angeles Times has such
resources and arrangements. With this we can
understand what a big level business it is to run a
news paper in America.
Though the news papers economically depend upon
the advertisements they are not effected by the politics
of the advertisers. Even chain news papers are not
bound to stick to one particular kind of publishing
news. Mostly small news papers only seem to have
their impact on American people`s psychology.
John Peter opposed New York governor in 1733,
criticized him and was put in prison . But he
continued his criticism and finally won the case in the
court. From that time onwards the Americans have a
fascination for freedom of press. They never forget
that right of theirs. They have constitutional protection
and also the protection given by the court judgements.
They have the special love and dedication towards
news paper freedom. That is why the news world in
America is so strong an institution. That is one of the
paramount support base for their democracy.

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Law Courts
Education, local bodies, Newspapers and the law
courts keep democracy thriving. If any one of them
faulter it will be a blow to democracy.
All these four areas are equally important and play
their roles well to strengthen the nation.
Law courts safeguard the interests and the rights of
the people. In ancient India this law was called
`Smriti`. It means the law known to everybody.
The work of the law courts is always to protect the
rights of people-individually and collectively- as per
the principles laid out in their constitution.
In the eyes of law all are equal, no difference between
the government and the people, no difference between
the rulers and ruled.
Once we had that kind of difference of inequality in
our country .Of late the scene is changing moving
slowly towards equality.
In this country there were inequalities in certain fields.
But here the law courts started cutting those
differences off. According to law there is no inequality
in this country. Even we are trying to achieve equality
in the eyes of law. In our country laws based on
different religions should be wiped out giving way to
one uniform `Civil Law` throughout the country. Then

102

only the Constitution law will be established with no

inequality.
Throughout America there is one and only civil law.
But in the case of Blacks there is some inequality.
Just like our High courts here each state has an
appalete court, in some states they call it supreme
court. The national Supreme court is in Washington.
There are seven justices -one of them is the chief
Justice. This is the Highest court.
The disparities between the states are in the appellate
court. Appeals and writ petitions are mostly taken up
by the Supreme court. The cases basing on the
individual rights-within the constitutional per vieware mainly taken care of by the Supreme Court.
I visited the Supreme Court. The building is imposing.
The court hall emits peaceful atmosphere. I had
interaction with the officials there. The court was built
in Roosevelt`s time in 1933 spending 4 crore 65 lakh
rupees. Its structure and shape, the architecture
inspire the visitors with the feeling that this is the
center famous for its law and justice.
Unlike in our courts all seven justices sit together,
listen to cases and the verdict is based on the majority
opinion.
In some states they call their High courts Supreme
court. I remarked about this to the New York State
attorney general saying that it is not right to give the
103

same name to the highest court and the high court. He

agreed but said that they are used to it and know the
difference. It will be better if the names changed said
Minnesota Attorney General Mondel because appeal
on the Supreme court is done to Supreme court
(highest court).
There is a vast difference between our legal system
and theirs.
We have certain central laws and certain state laws.
The central laws are followed by all the states. The
states should not make laws opposing them.
In America each State frames its own laws.
They make their separate laws regarding procedure or
substantive law.
In our country there are two major laws -`civil
procedure` and `criminal procedure`. According to
them all courts must function.
The American courts have fifty kinds of procedures in
fifty states. Each state follows what it prefers. There is
no uniform system.
Even important laws are framed by each state. Our
central government imposes laws regarding contracts,
transfer of wealth, partnerships, arbitrary, easements
etc on all our states. That kind of dictatorship is not
here. We observe their federal Constitution wherein
central interference is very limited. They allow the
104

States full autonomy.

decentralization.

That

is

the

base

for

Even ours is federal Constitution, we say. But with the

central interference the States are functioning like
municipalities. Americans cannot tolerate it. But here
in India our states welcome it and bow before it.
In our country autonomy and provincial rights are
meeting slow death whereas in America they are
getting stronger day by day. It depends upon their law
making system.
There is election system in many areas of the law
courts. They elect justices at the time of local body
elections.
Even though the President nominates Justices to their
Supreme court they should be approved by their
Senate. Attorney Generals are nominated on the party
basis. When I went to the Little Rock city one incident
took place there. President Kennedy came to their
State-Arkansas. The State Governor was a Republican
and also opposed to the Blacks. He came to Kennedy`s
meeting and spoke welcoming and then criticized the
policies of the President.
Some politicians and the news papers remarked
against the governor`s criticism.
The State attorney General
supporting the Governor.

105

gave

statement

While interacting with Hogan and Mondel I asked

them whether it is not good to have a uniform
criminal and civil procedure in all their States. They
said that their system is not harmful to them.
I expressed my opinion that uniform procedures will
help the lawyers and make the work easy in the law
courts and Supreme court too.
They said-` we are not facing any problems with our
existing system. If we accept central procedure in one
case there is the danger of its interference in all cases
thus destroying the provincial independence.
I accepted their argument. We have to notice their
provincial democratic system. That is the American
specialty of asserting provincial independence.
I expressed my doubt--` By electing legal officers and
justices are they not bringing in party feelings and
influence into the law field which may hinder the
protection of justice in some cases?
They said- `That is not our experience so far`.
I said -`Because of the opposition between the parties
there is the possibility of judging the cases with party
partiality`.
Some denied such possibility. Some opined that such
risks will not arise. Some said that thus far they did
not come across such partiality.

106

Our laws and our experiences are different from

theirs.
They have special family courts in America. If
problems arise between wife and husband, between
parents and children the family courts take up such
cases and deal with their legal aspects.
In such courts there are more women justices than
men. In general there are many women justices in
America.
They have `divorce` as a major problem. Once
`Hollywood` was notorious for divorce cases. So they
used to say` if we address a person Mrs so and so
today, we have to doubt whether we can address her
with the same name tomorrow`. She may have a
different spouse by then or free from the previous
spouse. Hence that particular lady herself has to come
to our rescue mentioning her present status.
That kind of severe situation is changing there too. If
they have large number of divorce cases why is it so?
Are they morally downgraded? No. Not all.
They have a reason. They consider a woman and a
man as individuals. They are equal in status. Their
status is equal in marriage too. In our country we saywe give our daughter to so and so in marriage. But
here both get married maintaining their individuality
and individual rights.

107

If there comes a disparity in such a status it leads to

the dissolution of their marriage. Like in India if the
wife and husband are not happy in their married life reasons may be many- do not continue to live together
for society`a sake or in the name of family reputation.
Their marriages are relationships between two equal
human beings. If that relationship goes off the track
they seek divorce.
Divorces are decided upon in the family courts. We
too have new divorce laws but very few cases come to
our courts.
In the law courts the protection of the individual`s
rights is given prominence. Compensation cases are
also important. If the municipality digs ditches in the
road and causes inconvenience to a traveler he will
go to court for compensation. He does not simply keep
quiet.
There are pauper cases in their State courts and in the
Supreme court. `Pauper` means one who cannot pay
court fees for a case. There are 32 pauper cases in 1932
and in 1963 there are 1629 cases in the Supreme court.
One of the court officials gave me that information
during our discussions.
A Supreme court justice gets an annual pay
of 1 75 000 rupees. Appeal court judge gets 1 25000
rupees and district court judge gets 1 10 000 rupees.

108

But New York court justice gets more salary than the
justices in the Supreme court get.
In 1963 there were 28000 cases in the Supreme court
out of which 16000 have been cleared. In the other
courts too the cases are cleared in the same ratio.
Though they have different laws in different states
they have certain central organizations in Chicago to
look into common needs of all the states and bring out
uniform decisions regarding them.
They have Inner state department. If the laws in some
states give good results other states study them and
adopt them to their needs. This kind of effort is
always done. In this department there are
representatives of all states and prominent justices. If
there is friction among the states it is resolved by the
inner state arbitration. In case it could not be resolved
there the case goes to Supreme court.
There is an association of national attorney generals.
The Attorney Generals of different states are members
in it. It is their work to advice on the laws of their
states. Hence they all meet, exchange their experiences
comparing them with the experiences of other state
Attorney Generals and if necessary adopt their laws to
their particular state.
They gather lots of literature arising on their
experiences and bring uniformity among laws. It
shows the strength of their laws.
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My discussions with Posner and Manson were very

useful. Americans have great respect to our law courts
thinking that they meet out virtual justice to people.
In India we should not discuss a case outside when it
is still in the law court. On the basis of the rule ` Sub
judice` we are prohibited to discuss it. This we have
inherited from the British.
But in America there is no such law of `sub judice`. So
when the case is still in the court news papers and
others also discuss them and express their opinions
about those cases.
That is why Ellen Roy`s brother Robert Goltschock
expressed disappointment about the verdict passed in
Dehradun in her murder on 13 th December 1960. He
asked me why we could not bring pressure on the
court. I told him that `sub judice` prevented us from
doing so. He felt very sad.
Law courts play a great part in protecting peoples`
rights from government`s authority. Their law courts
apply the rights mentioned in democratic Constitution
and protect life of people. Law courts really fortify
their democracy any day.

110

Social welfare
In America people only do and achieve

many things
in the private sector more than their government does.
In such a set up we don`t really need to talk about
their social sector. In each village, town and city they
have a number of organizations who work together or
separately doing research in social welfare sector and
take up the issues for solution.
These organizations are locally established, they do
not have any constitutional binding. They have
nothing to do with municipal and village charters. But
there is no place where they don`t have these welfare
organizations to work in various areas.
As part of these organizations there are `Guest
service organizations` in major cities. These
organizations help the foreigners and Americans who
come to those cities in finding accommodations and
take them round whichever place or institutional
centers they choose to visit. They help the new comers
to have travel facilities. They do a lot of such service
still they apologize that they could not do much more
for them. There are many ladies who are famous for
their hospitality - they are `ANNAPURNALU` as
mentioned in Peddana`s description of Pravara`s
wives. their willingness to host the guests is adorable.
The guest service center sent Ms Janet Griz Bank to

111

show me Murewood. She had to pick me up from

Canterbury hotel in San Fransisco.
It is a tradition in America and England that the hosts
who are going to show us round don`t come to our
hotel rooms. They telephone to us saying that either
they wait for us in the guest lounge or at the gate at
the appointed time. We have to meet them there and
they take us out in their cars.
In those cities car parking is a problem. One should
not park car more than specified time. If any car is
parked beyond that time, traffic police will leave a
ticket in the car showing how much the owner has to
pay as penalty and by what time. If it is not paid in
time that car is seized by the police.
Getting such a ticket is considered as a humiliation.
Mr Devabhaktuni Ramaswamy who took me round in
Chicago told me that he never got a ticket. That means
he is a careful driver.
I waited for Janet Griz at the hotel gate. She came and
we started in her car. While driving she told me
many things about San Francisco. We passed the`
Golden Gate Bridge`. That is the biggest Bridge in the
world without the support of any pillars in between.
They built that bridge connecting the mountains on
either side. They call it `hanging bridge`. It is 17 mile
long. We passed the bridge and Richardson Bay
which is a part of pacific ocean. After showing me
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Mure wood she took me to a village in Maria county

and there we went to a small beautiful hotel built over
the ocean -length being 60, 70 yards. I don`t smoke or
drink like her. But I shared snacks with her while
discussing many things. She is very shrewd, her
husband is a doctor and she has a son.
That evening is memorable. We sat over the ocean in
pleasant atmosphere, and cool breeze. Many boats
were seen sailing competitively as though they were
scatting on water. People at different tables were busy
talking but no body was disturbing the other.
It is good opportunity to know American women.
They discuss things deeply and with care. Janet was
cool and steady in our discussions.
A similar experience I had in Tennessee. Miss Leefish
took me to a dinner in a village at night. Till 12`o clock
we were discussing various issues. She told me that
she never wanted to marry. She appreciated my ideas
and opinions saying that I have strong views and if I
stayed in their country I get a lot of support to
propagate my views. She even said that she even likes
to join me in my effort. Even Janet Griz expressed a
similar agreement with my views.
I offered to pay the bill for dinner but she vehemently
protested saying that I was her guest and she would
not accept my offer. The Americans show us round
driving long distances, pay for our dinners and finally
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they express that they are sorry to part with us that

soon. That kind of hospitality is one of their traits.
The American women are mainly responsible for the
American social life to become meaningful and
fruitful. They not only give beauty and joy but also
excersize the best influence on it.
Little Rock is a small city. Fresno is bigger
comparitively. Milwaukee is a big city. There are
social welfare organizations every where in small as
well as big places. I quote Little Rock in Arkansas as
an example. In 1957 the Blacks faced many problems
due to Governor Faubus. Arkansas is a Southern State.
I observe one whole day those social welfare centers
there. They are functioning in 123 sections. For each
section there are two representatives. They elect a
Board of directors. Those directors run the activities of
the centers with the advice and cooperation of the
representatives.
The social welfare organization collects funds from the
people and other organizations. There are many who
voluntarily contribute their mite annually. Nobody is
forced to contribute. Individuals come out willingly to
pay big amounts. In 1962 various organizations were
able to collect 5 lakh rupees and 7 lakhs in 19 63. The
Board decides how much to allot for various
activities. They keep some amount as the capital. They
make use of it if they have to bear additional
expenditure for some works.
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In those 123 centers they allot amounts to health,

education, child support, senior citizens and student
scholarships and to disabled dealing with other
problems. The Blacks problems are treated as human
relations. Aid is given for the development of
backward areas. People become members of these
various organizations depending on the areas of their
interest. Let me give an example of how these
sections function . I attended a meeting of one of the
sections n in Little Rock. There were 25 members
present- half of them are ladies. That day`s problem
for discussion was `why some children are leaving
and running away from schools in the middle of the
academic year?` They call this problem `Fall out`.
They received report from teachers of various schools.
Social Welfare organization writes letter to the
parents of `Fall out` students saying `your child` is
not attending school, the reason is not known, to us.
We have to discuss this with you. Can you kindly
come to our meeting?`
The parents come to the meeting, the problem is
discussed. They talk to that particular child and take
necessary action. They discuss whether a child has not
got enough food and clothing, or does he have
problem with parents, bad habits or the child has any
bad company or does the child have any mental
problem. Having found out the reason they help
economically to redress the child`s problem. they
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create suitable situations for the child to come back to

school. They don`t hesitate to spend money. They care
for good outcome.
Let me take another example. If in a family the man or
the woman is suffering from ill health and can have
no reasonable means to get good medical help, the
social welfare center sends expert doctors to that
family to examine the patient and arrange good
treatment in the best hospital till the person recovers
totally. Thus the family is saved, their children get
good support and thus the painful story of the family
ends.
If a particular locality is found dirty and backward the
social welfare team makes inquiries and sends its
report to the municipality to act. They also allot some
fund toward the betterment of the locality. Thus the
problem is solved immediately.
If they find that in some schools there are no better
families for students they come to rescue and help the
schools.
In the year 1963 they allotted one lakh rupees to
tackle the problem of the Blacks treating it as a human
relations problem. They help to mitigate discrimination towards Blacks, help their children taking care
of their needs.

116

Through special programs like play, dance, sports,

they try to educate children and make them
scientifically oriented.
I mentioned to them about Children`s art academy
(Bala Kala Parishad) in Tenali (the town from which I
came) and explained to them its activities. They came
forward with certain suggestions for its improvement.
The people in the society seek help from those social
welfare organizations and don`t depend much on the
government. People don`t expect the government to
do everything. They do things they need by
themselves. They are self reliant and hence don`t
criticize the government for not doing many things.
This kind of social welfare activities have been going
on over years and that system got rooted in the
American welfare society. They are able to achieve
great results for the benefit of society.
The social welfare organizations are responsible for
bringing unity among people whom they meet
several times and hold discussions regarding their
needs. They plan for more and better activities and
better future.
In small cities there will be one social organization
with different activities but in big cities they have area
wise organizations that function separately.

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In the small cities the representatives of those

organizations try to find out if there is any problem
and try to take action if they find any.
The representatives are familiar with small and big
issues in the small cities and they convey the report to
the concerned people. A kind of social discipline is
automatically established and there by creating the
atmosphere of ethics or morality in the society. This
kind of influence exerted by the social welfare
organizations is to be highly appreciated and
recognized as it is worth emulating.
But in the bigger cities their work and influence is not
enough in certain areas which are turning to be in
disciplined. Even the youngsters are going off the
track getting drawn to bad ways of life which are
harmful to society.
A kind of slackening in the family life is observed in
America. There are almost seven crore children under
18 years . Out of them 30 lakhs belong to divorced
parents. Two lakh children are in the foster homes.
One lakh are taken care of in private and public
institutions. But every year almost four lakh children
are being sent to juvenile courts.
Looking at these figures I feel sad. Private and public
institutions which give protection to children are
2500 in number. This is one of the major activities of
the social welfare organization. Apart from this, they
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have family welfare organizations. It has 350 centers

working with it. I have keenly observed those
organizations. They have good arrangements.
Children get all facilities. But they miss the love of
their parents and the family life.
This is going to be a major future problem in America.
Parents are slowly realizing the need to take proper
care of their children and have a better family life.
In American society divorce is a major issue. In such
cases children may suffer. The parents leave their
children freely once they reach the age of 16, or 17
years. That system is leading to social problems. They
have money and facilities which could divert their
children to uncontrolled freedom and bad habits.
Divorce is a major problem among the poor and the
richest families. Of late the middle class families are
steadily maintaining the family unity. I came to know
of it in my discussions with various people. The
Americans started realizing the importance of the
unity and strength of a family life.
All those issues are discussed in the social welfare
assembly. Eighty voluntary organizations which work
at the national level participate in it. Federal agencies
are also there. They discuss the welfare projects and
plan of action is decided upon. This assembly plays a
significant role in American social life. Major share of
work is done by women members.
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I participated in the meeting of these social workers in

Little Rock. I was invited to the discussions after
dinner at the house of Fletcher Miller. The meeting is
scheduled at 7.30 pm. Americans usually have their
dinner by 6 pm. I had my dinner at the hotel and was
ready by 6.30 p.m.
Fletcher Miller took me home. There were 10 women
and 4 men in the meeting. There are poets, lawyers,
writers and ambassadors in that group which is small
but powerful.
Jane, a poetess asked me whether we have divorce in
India. I said that we have. She asked me whether the
divorced women get married again. Another writer
wanted to know how our society treats the divorced
women.
My answer was--`In our country there are very few
divorces. In our state divorces were legalized in the
year 1949. Nationwide divorce law came into force in
1956. Is that so?- they wondered.
When I said that divorced women do not enjoy equal
right- they exclaimed -- `What a terrible social
system?`
I said that very few divorced women get married
again. But that situation is likely to change in future.
They looked at each other without further remark.
Miller`s wife asked whether we have any institutions
to take care of the children of the divorced parents.
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I said that such institutions are not there but in recent

time the government has started some child care
centers.
One writer wanted to know whether English is our
national language. My reply-- `No. There are 14
languages accepted as national languages according to
the constitution. We are going to accept Hindi as
official language putting English aside.`
`The English people had left your country. Why are
you still angry with them, why can`t you continue
with English as your official language ?`- one writer
posed the question.
`English is treated as foreign language not the national
language. So they want to bring in one of our
languages to replace English. That is essential to bring
back honor to our country. This is the argument of the
majority of Indians.` I explained.
One lady said that it may not be right even though
many support it.
I replied that majority opinion counts in a democracy.
`Yes, but -` stopped half way one gentleman.
One lady writer wanted to know whether Hindi is
going to replace English.
I said `Yes. That is the constitutional decision. But in
south India and in the state of Bengal there is severe
opposition. I told that the language issue should not
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be decided by the mere majority but the people`s

acceptance should be taken into account. They all
agreed with me.
One gentleman wondered if it is not English what else
will there be as the international link language.
`I questioned `What do Russia and China have ?`
One friend asked -- They do not have. But why should
you give up one which you already have?
I told them that English should continue as the official
language for a long time to come. All looked cool with
this remark of mine.
One writer said `You have several languages in your
country. How do you understand writings of other
languages?
My reply-- `It is a difficult job. We depend on
translations which are not coming out in required
number. We have to put in more effort to translate
great number of good books of different languages.`
One remarked -` Indians write good English. Why
can`t they accept it as their own language?`
My response- `English is not our language. We have
14 mother tongues. Ours is a country of many
languages, sates and many races. English is the official
language to keep all of us together. English is the link
language for a long time to come.
They all agreed that the task is going to be difficult.
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In such meetings there is the possibility of our

knowing them and their thinking about us.
I went to Mr Fender`s house in Los Angeles. The
couple have two sons and one daughter in law and all
are lawyers. I was the sixth lawyer there. The dinner at
their place was enjoyable that day. There were artists,
poets, doctors. And there were ladies and people from
T.V. Fender`s mother who is 87 knows many things
about India. She listened to my English, asked me
whether I think in English or in my mother tongue.
I said if I speak in English, I think in English and I
think in my mother tongue when I speak in that
language.
They made me recite some Telugu poems. I let them
listen to the recorded songs of Modukuru Johnson,
poems of Attota Ratna Kavi. They appreciated them
and said that our language is very sweet.
When I told them that Telugu is called the Italian of
the East one Italian agreed with me.
I wrote a poem, recited it and wrote it for them along
with English translations. One or two of them read
their own English poems but members present gave
me more marks for my poem.
An artist asked me about our arts and Ajanta, Ellora.
He asked me the reason for the arts to prosper in
Buddhist era.

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My reply--` In our country Arts, architecture and

sculpture prospered in Buddhist era and the muslim
rule. In the Hindu era poetry and philosophy
flourished.
They expressed surprise. One lady asked me whether
such prosperity was to there in the British era. I said
that they were not there in the British era.
I said that there was prosperity then too. education
was given priority more than arts and architecture.
Not only many ancient sanskrit writings were
brought out to the people with easy explanation. If
that did not happen India should not have become this
famous.`
They were all very much surprised with the
information of mine.
Some said that we were benefited by the British rule.
My reply--`Like you, we also benefited and incurred
losses. Both of us got freedom from the British
imperialism. But our ancient literature is known to be
world language.
Then our discussions turned to social problems.
I said-`Our people think that -you people lead a fast
life and not slow and steady. That is why here
youngsters lose self control, due to too much freedom
and elders ]resort to divorce.`

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Some of them started attacking me like ferocious dogs.

Some moved their heads in agreement to what I said.
Some kept quiet. On the whole they saw the point in
what I told them.
I remarked that the divorces are more among the poor
and also rich people.
Fender`s mother said- `yes.
Fender said `no`.
Fender`s wife and another poet said `yes`.
One lady asked : how I got that information.
`In course of discussions in Fresno a friend gave me
that information- I said
One lady said that all our conversations are being
electronically recorded.
I said: only the essential ones.
I spent a day with Irving Stone, the famous writer. He
has a small house on Beverly hills. We talked about
the writings in America which have social relevance
and also the style of Stone`s writings.
That day being very hot, Stone and his wife, Fender`s
wife and myself spent quite some time in their
swimming pool and felt refreshed.
We can grasp their social attitudes in such occasions
in course of conversations.

125

Such private gatherings and discussions play key role

in social welfare programs. The issues and problems
raised in their private meetings will be discussed in
the social welfare sector. Their welfare activities are
the beacon lights leading to progress and perfection in
their social life.

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Their claims
We often hear Americans claiming that their education
system , news papers, local bodies, law courts and
social welfare organizations are the essential strong
holds of their democracy. People have indomitable
faith in them.
Some even say that no where else one finds such
foundations for democracy. They often repeat what
once Abraham Lincoln said- Democracy is of the
people, by the people and for the people.
They desire that people should lead their government
with responsibility and they strongly believe that
their government is running according to people`s
will.
America is not one particular race. It is a combination
of many minority races. All the races of Europe are
there. We find there races from Asia, and Africa too.
But all of them consider themselves Americans. They
all speak the American language. Their kind of unity
in diversity is to be found in very few countries.
In some cities half of the people are Germans and half
Italians. But all behave like Americans.
In New York, in certain areas, people only from
Holland live, in some only the Italians, and in other
areas only the Germans. All speak English and live
like Americans only. If you ask a cab driver to take
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you to Holland, they take to the area where Hollandes

live.
America maintains such high quality of unity amidst
their diversity and it is proud of its powerful
democracy. Those who call America a capitalist
country should think whether they are fair in doing
so.
There are many capitalists in this country, some
consider theirs New Capitalism in principle. There are
many who claim that theirs is the biggest democracy
in the world.
What ever it is, they don`t like anything going against
their democracy, they sate the prevalence of
dictatorship or socialism. They don`t differentiate
between communism and socialism. They describe
both as dictatorships and nationalism. There are
many who openly argue that capitalism is better than
the other systems.
We have to make an effort to clearly understand all
their views. We have to grasp the spirit of ` people`
towards their governance. We have to understand
their respect to the individual and his fundamental
rights. We have to grasp their feeling that freedom is
everyone`s birthright.
If we look at America with the above perspective it
does not matter whether we call theirs a capitalist
country or by any other name.
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The Problem of Blacks

The problem of blacks is given a new nameProblem of Human Relations- by the Americans. In
India the problem of MALA AND MADIGA was
termed by the British as the problem of scheduled
castes and Gandhi called it the problem of Harijans.
We gave new names to washerman (chakali) as
Rajaka; barber (Mangali) as Nayee Brahmin;Potter
(kummari) as Kulali; medara, uppara saragu etc.
In this kind of change the names humanism is
expressed. We want to do away with humiliation of
people.We express that we are striving for equality.
Hence American way of calling the blacks problem as
human relations is highly appreciated. It shows their
desire to care about human values and the principle
that all people are equal. It is the matter of respectable
relationship between person to person. Different skin
color should not lead to racial discrimination. Skin
color depends on the climatic conditions of a country
or region-too much cold or too much heat is
responsible for skin color. For skin color a man or a
religion is not responsible. When we fail to understand
this simple reason we take pride in our race or color.
Ignorance should not give us happiness or pride. We
should make to strive for better knowledge and
understanding.

129

Now in 50 states of America there are two crores of

blacks (in 1963). Originally America belongs to the
Red Indian aboriginals. Lakhs of Europeans migrated
to America and called it their country displacing the
Red Indians. These migrents did not have enough
stamina to work hard and generate necessary income
to live comfortably. Hence they brought the blacks
from Africa to work for them as laborers, servants and
slaves. They even bought slaves from other slave
masters. They claimed them as their property. They
did not treat them as human beings who have
individuality of their own but took them to be useful
material. There are still some people even now who
can not give up their superior feeling.
Initially Europe imported the Blacks as slaves while
migrating to America, they brought them along with
them.
Lord Mansfield freed his Black slave in London in the
year 1772. He totally abolished slavery in England in
the year 1807.
In 1794 America decided not to import Blacks in the
ships. In 1807 they decided not to import slaves. But
even till 1860 Black slaves were miserable. They said a
Black man did not have the right to decide himself
whether he is a slave or a freeman. In 1854 in the case
of Scott the Supreme court`s verdict said that even if a
Black is free he cannot be a citizen.

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Those were the days when arguments were ripe that

the Congress who rules America and protects their
constitution had no right over slavery. In 1854 in the
case between Nebraska and Kansas the Congress
passed a law that those who settle there could
maintain slaves. The Congress passed a law that
Missourie state can keep slavery and can also join the
union.
The Blacks were tied with ropes and chains and
clogged. They were sold and bought like cattle.
From the beginning the Blacks were mostly brought to
the Southern States. Among the present 50 States there
are only one per cent Blacks in 25 states. There are
30% of them in 15 states, while in the rest of the states
there are 5 to 15 % of them. Hence the problem of
Blacks is the problem of 6 or 7 Southern States.
In some of these states the Blacks can never be a
majority in the 100 or years to come. They did not
increase more than 23% in 30 or more states. Hence
they have to live as minority in all the States.
In none of these states the Blacks can ever be majority
in 100 or 125 years to come. They did not increase
more than 23% in 30 or more states. Hence they have
to live as minority in all the states.
America itself is a combination of minorities. Hence
Blacks too are a part of it. The Red Indians are another

131

point. So the Blacks need not specially consider

themselves as a minority and feel desperate about it.
Because of their color they are discriminated in their
rights, hence they are reminded that they are minority.
But it is a must that America should find solution to
their problem.
Many people give various reasons for their racial
supremacy. In Africa the whites are ruling. Ghettos are
built in certain areas for the Blacks to live. Initially this
Ghetto culture was imported to America too but now
ghettos are bare minimum. In certain Southern states
that culture is still felt. If a house is for sale in a whites
area they see to that no Black should but that some.
Indirect discrimination is shown like that.
Let us turn to Indian situation. Mala, Madiga and
some low caste people are untouchables. They kept
them away from main stream of life. In undivided
India ( before partition) there were 7 lakh villages, 7
lakh separate dwelling areas for untouchables.
Charvaka, Ramanuja, Palanati Brahmanayudu and
Gandhi made serious efforts to change such shameful
situation. Ambedkar, M .N.Roy revolted against that
ugly past of the culture and came out with suggestions
for change.
Some Indians show sympathy to the South Africans
and the Blacks in America. They criticize those
governments and make unjust remarks against them
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forgetting how heinous their treatment of their fellow

human beings in their country in the name of
untouchability.
In history of the revolution for emancipation of the
Blacks had taken strange turns.
Till 1860 a Black was neither accepted as a citizen nor
even as secondary citizen. He was the property of
somebody or other. That was the argument prevalent
then.
The law of 1820 allowed Missourie State to be in the
union while still continuing slavery. Even in 1850 as a
kind of understanding between Northern and
Southern states they said that in South Blacks could be
kept as slaves.
In 1861 when Abraham Lincoln tool oath as the
President neither Black slave nor his descendant could
be citizen. But the status of a Black who is not a slave
was different.
Some wisemen wrote their will declaring their Black
slaves free from slavery. But the law courts
invalidated the conditions in their wills. Why? A
Black slave had no right to decide whether to remain
slave or a freeman-he had to remain slave. We heard
about the verdict in the case of J. Scott. The verdict
said that Congress had no right to curtail slavery in
any state. Lincoln vehemently condemned that verdict
saying `if color degrades a person, people who are fair
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in color than us can denounce us-people who are

more intellectual than us may look down upon us .
Color or intelligence is not the property of particular
group. All people should condemn that verdict-if this
slavery is not a sin there is no other sin in the world. In
1858 Lincoln was defeated-Douglas who defeated him
said- The government is of the white people, by the
whites for the welfare of the whites. That was the
political atmosphere then.
Lincoln put forth a proposal that if slave owner
considered his slaves as property, he would be
compensated with money for that part of his property.
He introduced a Bill to that effect in the Congress. He
said - It is not our decision to free slaves immediately,
but we have to make an implicit decision to free them.
Soon after Lincoln became the President eleven States
who perpetrated slaves left the Union and found a
Federation. The question arose whether the Unity of
the nation is important or the freedom to the slaves.
Powers opposing unity declared won. The question
arose whether to recruit the Blacks into the army or
not. Slowly they were taken into army. In 1852 a law
was passed that Blacks could be recruited into the
army. Two lakh of them got into the army. They all
fought for the unity of the nation. Every Black soldier
was freed from slavery. This became the issue of
disturbance to one group which gave strength to the
other group.
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In those days Lincoln said `I always thought all people

should be free, whoever wants to be a slave wants to
keep others as his slaves`. M.N.Roy in his New
Humanism said - `A slave or any one who wants to
retain others as slaves are both slaves.`.
But there were political risks then. Lincoln was
compelled to say `If the Unity of the country and the
security of the Union could be achieved without
freeing the slaves I will do that or if the union is saved
with the freedom of the slaves I will immediately
declare the emancipation of the slaves.`
On 13th september, 1862 Chicago Christian
organizations decided in favor of abolition of slavery.
On 22 september 1862 Lincoln made his first
announcement that he was going to declare the
emancipation of slavery on 1st January 1863.
With that announcement disturbances were created in
the country. Jefferson Davis gave a call that all the free
Blacks in the Southern States should be caught and
turned into slaves. Richmond announced that
Lincoln`s announcement made the country incur loss
of 2000 crore rupees.
40 Black slaves were freed. The credit went to Lincoln.
That was the story of a human being to gift of
humanism to others. It was the story of Lincoln
becoming the father of Blacks.

135

Lincoln`s proposal of emancipation of slavery was the

13th amendment of the constitution. Later 14th and
15th amendments were made freeing all free of color
discrimination. They were included in the
Constitution but it would take a long time to be fully
implemented.
For example, look at our Constitution which abolished
untouchability but its implementation is dead slow.
The issue of emancipation gave rise to other issues in
America. There is competition between Northern and
Southern States about what rights should a state have
and what rights the federal government has. Many
argued that the slavery issue come under state
administration. Some said that central government
had to deal with it. Their desire that states should not
bow down to the federal government authority had
been connected to the Black`s freedom issue. From
1820 on words there were arguments and counter
arguments about the emancipation issue.
Lincoln brought this issue to its climax by saying `No nation which has half its people free and half
slaves can exist for a long time`.
Lincoln`s pain and anguish subsided when the chief of
the opposition army surrendered. Lincoln went to
watch a play in a theater as a way of celebration
where he was shot by on 14th April 1865. He died
next day. He made amendment in the constitution
136

declaring the emancipation of slavery. He is the father

, mother grandfather to the Blacks. He is the
incarnation of humanism, the greatest person to be
cherished for ever in the American history.
In the beginning there were 2 lakh Blacks brought to
the country. But to day they are nearly 2 crore people.
With the industrial development America prospered
economically. The problem of Blacks took new turns
leading to the efforts for resolving them. Time as it
advances brings changes. That is what happened in
America. The riches in America did not much help for
the progress of the revolution for social changes.
But it slowed it-it looked like that.
In the year 1912 Arizona state joined the Union, the
first time America became the united States of
America. In reality America is only 50 years old, the
youngest among the developed nations. Each state
insisting on self development and the verdict of the
Supreme Court, social reforms moved snail pace.
According to their declaration of independence of
1778 all men are born equal. Amendments to their
Constitution-13 the amendment in 1865, 14th in 1868,
15th in 1870 laid the foundations for freedom in the
independent country.
In the house of representatives, Southern states get
less representation. But in the Senate each state has
two representatives. Hence southern states` strength
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went up and they obstructed the progress. That was

the main reason for the reform to lag behind.
In the year 1896 their Supreme court gave equal but
separate rights to the Blacks and the whites. This
phrase equal but separate right caused hindrance in
the field of education. But with the Supreme court`s
verdict in 1954 distancing the blacks in the education
field giving them separate quota or looking down
upon them were abolished. In all schools all found
equal representation. That was the beginning of the
progressive path.
On one side the courts were bringing in the equal
citizenship, the Blacks on the hand found entry in
Federal jobs, government contracts and military jobs.
When Franklin Roosevelt was the president, Issen
Hoover introduced the first citizenship bill. Roosevelt
was a democrat and Issen Hoover a republican.
Eisenhover made equal citizenship possible in 1957
and 1960. That was not possible in the past 80 years.
This was the beginning of the law of comprehensive
citizenship of 1964. This law was proposed by
President Kennedy and was accepted at the time of
President Lindon Johnson. The emancipation of
Blacks started by Lincoln has reached the climax.
To achieve this result many Black organizations
worked very hard. Among them the national
association of the progressive colonial people was the
main organization. Roy Wilkins was its secretary.
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There was other organization-Congress of the racial

equality. There are thousands of small and big
organizations
like-Southern
Christian
leaders
association, non violent student committee, National
urban league, National council of Black women.
All parties and all religious denominations supported
the citizenship of Blacks.
The procession taken on 28th August 1963 was
memorable. It was not the meeting of the Blacks
alone. It was the meeting of the Americans and half
lakh whites and Blacks together came forward for the
meeting and gave slogans.
Whiting Young, Roy Wilkinson, Walter P.Riyath Meer,
James Formal, Matthew Aikman, Rubby Zoyalemim,
Prince Dr Eugene Caros Black, John Lenin, Dr Martin
Luther King welcomed the important activity and
leaders working for the Black revolution. There are
thousands of activists from various places of the
country.
Blacks have many news papers, many writers, poets,
singers, artists, actors and thousands of fine arts
promoters, sportsmen. No other race stands superior
to Blacks.
Even in India the backward communities play
important role in the areas of movies, arts, films and
the instrumental music. I hope the social historians
will specially conduct research and find out the reason
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for their eminence. Whatever may be the reason they

stand out in movie, fine arts.
In the law of 1964 there are eleven special protections
for the Blacks-voting, schools, rights in public places
and organizations rights for jobs, civil rights court,
federal civil rights commission are important among
them. The Federal funds will be spent to mitigate any
kind of disparity.
It was announced in the government industrial
department that the income of the Black workers
family is 16,000 rupees on an average and 30.000 for
the white workers family. There are 11% of Black
workers nationally. There is 2.50% unemployment
among them.
President Johnson gave a call that all people should
decide to eliminate this disparity and work for that
cause. They are coming forward with new proposals
to work for a better social life. They are making all
efforts to make Lincoln`s ideals practically successful.
There is poverty in America. But there is difference
between our poverty and theirs. There are differences
among themselves. There are poor whites and there re
poor Blacks. But majority of the poor are among the
Blacks.
I had been to the house of poor whites and poor
Blacks. They have telephones, cars, television sets,
refrigerators, and other amenities but they are poor. In
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their row of houses all children don`t have separate

space or rooms. Though they are not suffering from
hunger but they don`t live in plenty.
President Johnson started work to give a better social
life to them. Now they made laws among all citizens.
But they should make efforts for their full
implementation. They should proceed carefully to
make the story of equality end happily.
As President Kennedy said-We dont have quota
system, whites and Black should unite as one race -it is
the ideal. If they continue on that path, for some more
time we can call America, a country of walking
democracy.
If they succeed in their ideals, it is useful for us
because we too have similar problems. We get
encouragement from them and can work paving the
way to success.
Their population in the south is dwindling. The
southerners who wanted to play politics against the
Blacks are disappointed.
Let us look at the figures of Black population in the
Southern States in 1960. In Alabama they were 9 lakh,
83 thousand; in Arkansas 3 lakh 90 thousand, Florida 8
lakh 88 thousand, in Georgia 11 lakh 25 thousand, in
Kentucky 2 lakh 18 thousand, Louisiana 10 lakh 46
thousand, Missisipi 9 lakh 21 thousand; North
Carolina 11 lakh 57 thousand; south Carolina 8 lakh 35
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thousand; Tennesse 5 lakh 90 thousand and in Virginia

8 lakh 73 thousand.
These are the 11 states where Blacks problems got
intensified and reached the climax. In recent years 2
lakhs of them became newly listed voters. Five lakh
students are getting education in mixed schools.
The Blacks problem successfully progressing. The
sooner this problem gets solved the better for them.For
its success proposals are coming up from all corners.
Various forces in the country are getting awareness of
the problem and are working hard moving along with
the nation.
The answer is flowing in the winds. `I SEE FREEDOM`
says one Black person!

142

Agriculture in America
America grows 10% of the total food produced in the
world. It is possible for them to produce it because of
their best seeds, good fertilizers and the use of
machine tools.
They follow meticulously the results of research in the
Botanical field and grow food crops in abundance.
Their drainage system, change of crops and their
interest in their lands made it possible.
They maintain all accounts assiduously in the field of
agriculture . They preserve the family pedigree of their
cattle and have a record of their feed. They note
down how much milk they get every day. They
stopped using cattle in cultivation and they
introduced all machine tools instead. We see horses
being used for that purpose in rare places-that is
because of some keeping old traditions . By 1962 there
are 39 lakh families involved in agriculture out of 75%
of their cultivation is managed by the owners.
There are 250 or 300 acres under each farmers unit.
Like in India farming used to be the occupation of the
family. But once the country developed industrially,
trade and business progressed, with the rise of cities,
many people started switching to different
occupations from agriculture. It sounded a blow to the
agriculture sector. Slowly the limit of farming unit
seems to grow to bigger sixes, machine tools replaced
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the manual labor and cattle and farming is treated as

an industry. It was a revolutionary change.
Farming units which used to grow food worth rupees
25 000 in 1959, grew to Rs 50 lakh units. These units
which were earning Rs 50,000 found 36% increase in
their produce and such units reached 8 lakhs in
number and the farmers started growing second crop
too. 70 laksh farmers were able to move their produce
to markets with the help of cooperative societies.
There came a lot of change in the field of agriculture
by 1963.
The farming units grew bigger, decreasing the total
number of such units. In some areas like Fresno
farming is turned into a heavy industry. They call it
agricultural automation.
India is primarily an agricultural country. America is
an industrial country. Even if we increase our
industries our people in 5 lakh villages have to depend
mainly on agriculture.
Our leaders who make plans for our agriculture
should observe the growth and status of agriculture in
other nations and adopt their improved methods
suitable to our needs.
With that in mind let us observe the American system
of agriculture. It is a large country but their
population is less than ours.

144

Once upon a time America too was based on

agriculture. But now their farming, the life style of
families underwent a radical change. It turned out to
be an industry and business. Total change is expected
very soon.
Many of our families even now depend mainly on
farming. A change is seen in our views about it though
it is yet to be realized practically.
We have imposed ceiling limit on our agriculture
income. In America they don`t have such limit. Their
least farming limit is more than 90 acres. The heavy
farming units have up to 50 thousand acres. For them
growing more food is important than limiting the farm
units.
They don`t use cattle in farming. They don`t have
buffollos -either she or he. They have only cows or
oxen. Cows are for milk, and oxen, the bulls go for
meat production. Cows are used for milking for a
period of 10 years and later they too are used for meat.
We depend on cattle for our agriculture and
transportation.
All their agriculture depends on machine tools-sowing
seeds, cutting and harvesting crops-everything is
mechanized.
They plow the fields 4 to 10 inches deep with their
iron plows. They irrigate them, level them and with
the help of machines lay the boundaries using nails
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and plastic cloth. Those boundaries help maintaining

the level of water. They have to lay the boundaries
every year. The machine lays 1000 yards of boundary
in an hour.
They don`t have planting system. They sow the seed,
straight away in watered fields. When the seedlings
appear they remove the excess water. Till harvest
season they irrigate the fields as much as necessary.
Their airplanes sow the seeds flying 20 or 25 feet high
on the field. They use up to 180 pounds of seed per
acre. The crop grows thick but not very high.
In the year 1962 on an average the farmers produced
4800 pounds per acre in California state. Some even
got 6000 pounds. That means 37 sacks of grain in an
acre-their average being 27 sacks (bags).
They use chemical fertilizers per acre costing Rs 75 or
100 annually. Using hay as fertilizer is very rare. They
use hay as beds for cattle and burn the rest of it in the
fields. They don`t use hay as fodder for their cattle.
They use the machine called Combine for cutting the
crop. It costs roughly one lak rupees. The driver
presses the button, it moves at the speed of 5 miles an
hour cutting the crop up to three yards. The cut crop is
pulled into the machine and thrashed throwing the
hay down. The grain gets filled in a tub. The moment a
yub is filled a lorry draws it and loads it. The machine
can cut and harvest the crop in 6 or 7 acres in an hour.
146

The grain harvested is still moist. They pass the grain

into a machine with 100 degree heat to get the
moisture sucked out. Another part of the machine
cleans the grain and thus they take it to storing place.
From sowing seeds to getting the crop to storage they
do not touch it with hands and then maintain its
cleanliness.
They sow paddy between 15th April and 15th May.
Crop cutting is done from the end of August to the
end of September.
100 pounds of grain costs 4.50 $ equal to our 22050
rupees. They lease out the lands as they wish. There
are no laws to govern it.
Each farmer cultivating 100 acres, buys all the
machinary spending 15000 rupees at least. They can
use those machines in 300 or 400 acres. That is why
the farmer takes the land on lease. With the help of
their machinary each farmer can work alone in 400
acres. Two or three people manage 10,000 acres. They
use machinary worth 50 lakhs. They use 1.50 crore
worth machines to cultivate 40000 acres, 6 0r 7 people
manage the whole work.
They are doing all the food growth through
automation. Other countries who are advanced
industrially are stunned at the American system of
agriculture. We cannot dream of such a revolution in
food growth in near future. Their government does
147

not interfere in the agriculture sector. But when it is

necessary the crop controlling corporation gives
suggestions to farmers as to which food crop they
should grow more and which less. The farmers who
grow those crops decide through referendum whether
to accept those suggestions or not. This is the
democratic way of running their agriculture sector.
The farmers grow much and earn much. But they
don`t have to pay heavy land tax. They have turned
farming into an industry and are enjoying the best
results.
Ohio State is famous for its food growth. It is called
Hog-corn state. They raise the hogs-pigs and grow the
corn on a very large scale. I visited many farm units in
Ohio and Illinois States. I visited their poultry and cow
sheds. Raising pigs, chicken and cows is part of their
agriculture.
They mainly grow corn, wheat, paddy, barley, oats,
peanuts and tobacco. Alfa alfa grass is for cattle feed.
I met one small farmer Leonard L. Duke in Ohio. He
owns 165 acres and cultivates it all by himself. He has
a small size combine, a tractor, a wagon and an iron
plow. He has corn sowing machine, wheat cutting
machine, a machine to indicate the climate, he spent
60,000 rupees on them. If he needs any other
machines he will rent them and rent out his machines
to others.
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He took some more land on lease. He sells corn at

rupees 6.25 a bushel, wheat 6.50 a bushel and oats 3
rupees a bushel.
The grain traders and private cooperative agencies
decide the rate of grain locally. Government does not
buy food grains. They have a corporation which
decides the agriculture matters. They too play a role in
price fixing. They all fix a reasonable rate for grains
which are sold with a subtle variation here and there.
In those states I visited a third grade land is sold for
1000 or 1500 rupees per acre. Second grade for 1500 or
2000 rupees per acre. First grade land is sold at 2500
an acre.
I went to the cow shed owned by one Buckland Bob.
He and his brother cultivate 420 acres.. They have
machines costing 2 lakh rupees. They have 120 cows
60 of which are milch cows. Their fodder is stored in
separate sections. The machine cuts the fodder to thin
pieces and fills them all in tins. They give to cows
vitaminized fodder.
Newly born calves are not allowed to suck milk from
their mothers. They are fed separately with milk and
some food. Their months old calves are much bigger
and stronger than our one and half year old calves.
They milk the cows with machines not with hands like
us. Milking areas are maintained separately. Six cows
are led to one side and another six to the opposite side
149

and they are fed. Between those two lines of cows

there is a ditch like area. In that area one person sits
on a cart. He fixes milking machines to the udders of
all cows. The machines draw the milk rhythmically
with equal pressure. Milk is drawn to the glass
container which rests above the man`s head. When the
container is full he draws a string and the container
tilts and empties into a tank. The chilling machines
maintain the temperature to keep the milk fresh. The
milk van draws milk from the tank and measures it
before taking it to the city centers.
This milking system was new to me. The whole
system and sight was appealing to me.
The farmer sells 5000 pounds milk from sixty cows
every day. 100 pounds costs $ 4 . Daily the farmer gets
950 rupees income on milk. These cows give milk for
ten years. I saw a cow which gave milk for 17 years.
They don`t touch the fodder or milk with their hands.
I saw the cow sheds in Ohio, Illinois and Minnesota.
One Mr Pearson has 60 cows-30% of them are milking.
He sells 1200 pounds a day. He has 134 acres. He
took 90 acres on lease paying Rs 350 per acre. His
machinery costs 940 00. He pays land tax Rs 524 per
acre. Raising the cattle, selling milk are his main work
apart from cultivation. He says selling 100 pounds per
$ 4.50 is reasonable. Raising beyond that is not good
for the economy of his country-he says. His is a

150

responsible citizen. I met some other men with

similar views.
A cow costs Rs 5000 or 6000 . He has a bull born in
1958. It was in 1963 I met him. He maintained a photo
frame with the family tree of the bull. He is expecting
to sell it for 30 to 40 thousand rupees. Some offered 20
thousand but he says he will not give it to him.
In America the horns of newly born calves are chiseled
and the roots are burnt, not allowing the horns to
grow further. Cows and oxen have bald heads. Cows
usually give milk for 300 days, some even 350 days.
Their feeding process is new to us. Among cows Handsteen, Jersey, Gorness, Brown swiss, Ice hair are
prominent types. They insure their cows heavily.
The Americans maintain not only the family pedigree
of their cows but also the charts with their milking
particulars. If there is 4.50% fat in the milk that cow is
considered superior. I even saw some cows giving 2
pots of milk at a time.
I saw a grass machine in Fresno, California. Alfa alfa
green grass is brought there in trucks. They send it
into the machine which cuts it into various sizes and
finally into powder. The powder is converted into
vitamin tablets. Those tables are packed into bags and
sent to various markets. The tablets are used as food
for cows. Every day each cow gets more than 2 kilos of

151

it. They take great care of their cattle as a part of their

agriculture.
In this area lands sell 3000 or 4000 an acre. The lands
where they grow grapes sell at the rate of 7500 rupees
or 10000 per acre. Their land rates are not much
different from ours but their soil, their produce are
richer than ours.
The Americans used to do business through
corporations. But now they established corporations in
their agricultural sector turning it into an industry..
For some it is cultivation, for some it is family
occupation and for some others it is a heavy industry.
But in future it is going to be totally an industry.
They donot have a system of fixing rates for their
commodities. Whether to follow the suggestions of
crop control corporation or not is left to the growers
corporation.
The growers, government will accept their decision.
For example Kennedy made an appeal to the farmers
to reduce the amount of wheat growth in order not to
risk the rates. But the farmers through their
referendum decided to grow their usual amount. The
government accepted their decision.
The farmers have an advantage. They can insure their
crops and get the money according to that days` rate.
If the rate is low they can leave the produce to the
government and take the money. If the rate is up then
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they themselves can sell their produce and pay the

insurance.
They grow cotton 2 to 4 packs per acre. Each pack
contains 500 pounds. They grow barley upto 4000
pounds. that is the case with the other crops too.
I went deep inside their fields. Their roads and
trasport facilities are good.
You get the same facilities and comforts in the cities as
well as in the villages. Whatever you get in the cities is
available in their villages too.

153

International Peasants world

I visited many places and met many people in
Washington DC. I went to the International Peasants
office on 24 August, 1963.Their working committee
meeting was going on. Former Premier of Poland Mr
Slanya Lans Kolajusk was the chairman. Dr George
Dimitrof - the chief secretary of the committee
introduced me to the members present.
The members present were: Dimitrof, Ferangi NagiHungary Prime minister; Bela Bokar-secretary of
International peasants committee; Harnikans Blajasthe editor of their news paper; DR Vland Komakleader of Croatia farmers` party; Chi Sonimane- leader
farmers party of Czechoslovakia Republic; N. Narre
Jarveslo, leader small farmers party of Estonia;
Balyans Perankhan from Lithuania; Joseph Letrichleader democratic party of Slovakia; Dr Augustin
Popo-leader farmer`s party of Romania; Dr Milan
Gerilovich-leader, farmers` commission of Yugoslavia.
I got an opportunity to address them over an hour. I
answered to their various questions. The chairman in
his concluding remarks said: `Our sympathies are
with the farmers of your country. Please convey our
good will to Mr N.G.Ranga and other farmers leaders.
We all can overcome the obstacles faced by our
farmers and farm laborers. Please convey our message
of hope to your country.`
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I was in the midst of a special world of farmers. My

speech too was special. They asked me to tell them
about the laws of our country which trouble our
farmers.
I told them about native rulers in different states,
formation of linguistic states, abolition of jamindari
system. All of them are well versed with the world of
farmers and their problems. Hence the questions were
suitably answered by me.
They asked me about the role of our planning
commissions. I told them that they play a nasty role.
They asked me who elected them. I told them that
they were nominated by the Prime Minister and
people pay for them. They were puzzled how could so
much power given to the members not elected by any
one, whether it was accepted by the constitution. I said
that our constitution does not accept it but such things
are made possible in Nehrus` government.
They asked me for further explanation.
I explained `Our democratic socialist leadership fixed
a ceiling on the income of a farmer that it should not
exceed Rs 5400 annually. N.G.Ranga and we
Humanists questioned the government. When others
have a lot more income why should there be a ceiling
on the farmers` income. The ministers, professionals
are getting more salaries than Rs 5400. In the
businesses there was more money. Their aim was to
155

control the farmers. Nehru was determined to impose

the ceiling on farmers. The decision was made by
Congress party in Nagpur.
The government made 240 laws newly controlling
the farmers in various states. Some measured the
ceiling in terms of acreage and some in terms of
income. Frank Nagi interrupted me with his question.
`Was not it much worse than in the communist
countries especially Russia?
I said -`you know it better than I do. I am talking
about the situation in our country. In Poland,
Yugoslavia, Russia they put ceiling on land not on the
income. Hence a farmer can get any amount of money
by growing a rich crop. But some of our states
imposed restrictions on the crops grown`. They all
laughed saying that their communists look better.
Our government buys food grains and does business
with it. They do not control food corporations. They
go on imposing laws on the farmers`.
After seventeen years of our independence our
government is going to bring 17th amendment to the
Constitution calling ordinary lands as Estate lands.
Government can buy them paying minimum price.
The farmer has no say in it. He cannot even approach
the court of law for justice. We have to fight against it.
N.G Ranga is working hard to stop it. They asked me
why Nehru lost faith in law courts. I replied that
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Nehru never expressed that he had faith in law

courts. So he has nothing to lose now. They all
exclaimed loudly when I said that.
I told them that we don`t give more than Rs 3 ( 65
cents) a day to the farm laborer even in the busy
season of field labor. The laborers get work for 3
months in a year and rest of the year they have
nothing to earn. They were all totally surprised at
what I said.
They remarked that we have not benefited with
achieving independence. I told them that there are
benefits in certain sectors but not in the labor sector.
The chairman while sending goodwill message said
that ` we all should work for solution of the farmers
problems. Dr George Dimitroff and Frank Nagi
thanked me for participating in their meeting and
enlightening them with problems of Indian farmers. I
was surrounded by a new world, I felt.
Before concluding my views about agriculture in
America I have to tell you briefly about their project
called ` Tennessee valley authority.` They call it
T.V.A. Tennessee is a big river in America. It
originated in Minnesota State spreading to a large area
in Tennessee State.
T.V.A started in 1903 as a first Bill when Roosevelt
was the president, Pincaut and Megiwere were two
intellectuals who gave publicity to make it into a law.
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In 1928 President Hoover rejected the law of Ncted the

second law by Norms in 1933. Roosevelt accepted the
third law by Norris in 1933 and it got established as
law.
We saw Norris dam. President Roosevelt named it
after Norris. Norris and Wheeler dams were ready by
1936. Tennessee electricity company was established
in 1939. 22 municipalities, 11 cooperative bodies and
some others got it established.
T.V.A. has been the base for production of electricity,
growth of food crops, improvement of fertilizers,
solution of employment problems and industrial
advancement .Results of these projects were enjoyed
by the people in 42 thousand square mile area.
Such projects laid foundation for the beginning of
New Era in America. We can even say that America
came into being from then on.

158

Humanism in America
Humanist movements are progressing internationally.
Let us observe how the Humanists function in
America.
In India Humanist movement started in 1946. M .N
.Roy and some others felt the need of Renaissance in
people`s ideas and led the Humanist movement in
that direction. Both these views progressed together as
the humanist movement in India.
The Humanist movement does not accept nationalism,
sectarian movements or any other collective
interpretation of work. Its philosophy is to accept man
as an individual and take him to be the base for
society. Man as the individual should work for his
development and his future is dependent on his
efforts, and not on any outside powers believed to be
there.
He is the primary and foremost being in the society.
Individual progress is more important than the
collective progress. He should give up power politics
and get into social political set up. Production should
be made for usefulness not for profit. He should curb
exploitation and work for cooperative relationship
among people. That is what the Indian Humanists
are aiming at and working for it.
Let us see the American Humanist movement.
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America is a big country. People are educated and

they love individual freedom. They work hard, eat
well and enjoy their life. That is how they look at their
lives.
It is a country which tirelessly works for individual
freedom, respect and social equality. It is a country
which insists on respecting and treating the person as
individual being.
There are 53 chapters of Humanist association. The
Humanist association of America is in Yellow Springs,
Ohio State. They have humanist association branches
in all the major cities. They call them chapters. There
are 1500 members in some chapters. All the 53
chapters are affiliated to the American Humanist
Association. Each chapter has its own manifestos and
planning. They are mostly akin to main association,
sometimes a bit different-here and there.
Humanism has faith in human beings, it emphasizes
the need of scientific knowledge and search for truth.
Its stress is on gathering ethical and human values
through literature, arts, science and philosophy,
thereby making the life meaningful as a whole.
Humanists do not have interest in any religion or god.
They are against dictatorial ideas coming from any
source or direction.
Majority of humanists participate in social activities
individually and express their ideas instead of
160

participating in collective activities. That way they

work for the betterment of the individual making
human life useful and meaningful.
That is how the humanist association of America
defined its aim and system of activity. The association
publishes bi-monthly `The Humanist and Free mind`.
They express in their editorials that Humanist
movement will get a set back if they call it ` our
movement` praising its superiority. They emphasize
their aim positively.
Apart from Humanist associations there are many
other associations in America. Ethical Union,
Secularist
association,
American
Rationalists,
Unitarians Ethicalists.
The Humanist, The Progressive world, The American
Rationalist are the main journals for the movement.
There are 15 other journals published by several
chapters. The country being vast and places are far
distant apart , their chapters work separately. To
coordinate the work of all branches they need to
make serious efforts. If they do it over a period of two
years continuously the Humanists can strengthen their
movement.
There is one Humanist movement namely Humanist
World digest. They run their activities keeping their
faith in religion. Ethical Union also works on similar
lines. Except in their belief in religion they are united
161

in their attitudes and activities though their faith has

its effect on the society in America.
Lots of literature is made ready from different areas to
spread the Humanist ideas and principles. There are
many famous writers, intellectuals and teachers who
work for the advancement of Humanist movement.
There are some areas which are strong holds for
humanist movement. But it has least influence at the
government level.
Just as Humanism emphasizes the individual`s
progress, the people stand for the freedom of the
individual. If anyone creates obstacles to such
freedom they fight against those obstacles.
This spirit of Americans is an indication that the aim
of Humanist movement is deep rooted in their minds.
In recent times the Humanist activities are attracting
people and there is a possibility of a bright future and
success of the movement.

162

Fresno incident
Fresno in California is a small but beautiful city. It is
the home of many food crops. It stands first in
growing paddy. Agriculture is converted into a huge
industry here as Andhra is famous in India for
growing paddy just so is California State in America like Tenali town in Andhra, Fresno is prominent in
California.
Here the climate is suitable to various food crops. 213
varieties of crops are grown here. Paddy, cotton and
grapes are major produce among them. They grow 2
lakh more tons of grapes of the total grape growth of
the world. Their crops are valued at Rs 200 crores a
year. They have resources enabling each person get
Rs 20 thousand annual income. There are 57 races of
people. One out of seven is a foreigner. Fresno is a
cosmopolitan city. There are many farmers from
Punjab here.
It is a clean city with wide roads and office buildings
like in Washington DC. They have trees on either side
of the road.
I went to meet the city mayor G.L. Sellard. Having
come to know that I was once municipal chairman of
Tenali, the mayor arranged to felicitate me that day.
Though it was an honor done to me I felt that Fresno
people honored our municipal administration, which
they have great respect for.
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As the part of honor they appointed me as honorary

mayor for the day. We went into the municipal
building. Edward who accompanied me introduced
me to the mayor. He called his staff and introduced
them to me. They gave me copies of Fresno annual
budget.
Mayor made me sit next to him and adorned me with
the gown having the badge of mayor. He vacated his
own seat and welcomed me to occupy it saying that I
was the mayor of their Fresno city that day. He asked
me to see some files and pass orders. He was all smiles
making me take his seat and powers.
One lady officer brought a file. I took the file and said
that the next mayor could pass the orders. I left the
file there and said that I was appointing the next
mayor and made the real mayor occupy his seat back.
All of us enjoyed the situation heartily. I said that I
had the power but need not exercise it. People who
had power but would not exercise are greater than
those who exercised power though they did not have
it the lady said.
In our meeting after tea we discussed our system of
municipal administration and the American system.
We have panchayat laws to govern our villages and
municipal laws for our towns and cities. They don`t
have our system. They have the tradition of framing
their own rules for their village and city
164

administration. We interacted for a long time. Then I

removed the gown with mayor badge. They took me
round the office and gave me some literature.
That day I could buy anything free of State and
Federal taxes in Fresno. That was the part of honor
they gave me that day. That day`s experience is
unforgettable for me. Their good will, their heartfelt
welcome and respect to me were memorable. Fresno
gave me such a wonderful experience.

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Places of Scenic beauty

America

is a country with many places of scenic

beauty. Those beautiful places give immense pleasure
to the people going on seeing sight then, fill the
hearts and minds with the memories of the wonderful
places visited.

Every country has its places of scenic beauty. Those

who visit India and enjoy the sights like great
Himalayas, Kashmir valley, Kerala, Waterfalls,
Ajanata-Ellora and Elephanta caves, and exclaim in
adoration `What a beautiful country`. For example,
you see some place -may not be Taj Mahal-feel very
happy and content and share your pleasure with
others too.
During my tour in America I went round certain
places, seen historical, natural, beautiful areas and
tourist sites for people`s education as well as
entertainment.
I like to tell our people, what I had seen and how
elated I felt seeing them. It felt like enjoying a feast
along with our friends. That is the purpose of this
chapter.
Niagara Falls in America is famously known
throughout the world. When you see it you
appreciate how they made it a wonderful tourist spot.
The river is flowing between USA and Canada. I flew
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to Buffalo from New York and reached Niagara by

bus. Stayed in a hotel nearer to Niagara falls, walked
to a peak on the east side of Niagara enjoyed the sight
of long stretched lawns and beautiful flowers. Getting
on to the top of the peak we saw Niagara Falls on one
side and falls which look like shoe horn on the other
side. We could see Canada border from there. Down
below the Falls the boats were carrying tourists
from the middle of the river to the border. We
enjoyed the trip very much. The boat ride below the
Falls will make you wonder at the height of the great
Falls. Then we got into a small train going through
the garden we reached the falls. We walked into caves
like spaces. We were made to change our dresses and
wear rubber dresses covering our heads, and reached
the actual scene of the falls. Some of us started singing,
some drenched their heads under the rolling water.
We forgot ourselves totally, immersed into the beauty
of the Falls.
We read about Sivaganga, saw it in paintings. Here
the beauty of Falls made us feel as though we have
actually seen Sivaganga.
Water is pure, can even drink it. We remembered the
Telugu poetry written by poets who never saw
Niagara and the English poems written by poets who
saw the falls. The cool weather and the vapors falling
on us like garlands beyond description.

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Some called the falls Maid of the Mist, some named it

the queen of beauty and some said it is Mist Maiden.
We spent the pleasant evening watching the falls from
American side. After dinner in the University club
we crossed Niagara river and entered into Canada.
If you have to see Niagara in the night you have to do
it from Canada side. Immeasurable electric lights
from Canada are reflected at the bottom of the Falls.
Moon light adds amazing sight to the scenic beauty of
the Falls. We spent the night happily watching the
Falls beautified by the reflections of the lights below
and the moonlight dancing on the waters above.
There is a building in Canada by the side of Niagara. It
is a hotel as well as guest house for the tourists.
Watching the beautiful Falls from the top of that
building is a memorable experience. I thought about
good places in India and how they are not maintained
beautifully to attract tourists. If you stand here for a
while your head gets wet . The cars below shine as
though they are just washed. This is all because of the
vapors from the Falls which fly up to 2 furlongs
distance.
By midnight we returned to our hotel. Niagara made
me feel that it is ours and we belong to it. Niagara
belongs to everybody who visits it. But it is in fact the
common property of America and Canada.

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Disney land
In our Puranas the sage Viswamitra got credit or
discredit for his power of creation. Hence
Viswamitra`s counter creation got established as a
saying. Nobody knows whether that creation is of
heaven or hell or space in between. If Viswamitra
really existed he must be powerful, be must be
related somehow to our Vemana and Tripuraneni
Ramaswami Kaviraju.
Disney is a visible story. It is all created by humans.
There is a little counter creation too.
Disney land creator may not be related to Viswamitra.
He is Walt Disney. He has creative brain, he is rich. He
imagined Disney land as a world by itself and his
wealth created it.
Disney land reflects mans` capacity. It is the yardstick
for human talent.
Disney land is the reflection of human ability in the
past and the present time. We have many historical
and religious buildings in India. In the Disney land the
constructions of buildings took place with scientific
knowledge. This is a center of scientific innovation.
For children Disney is a center for education,
entertainment. It is a tourist place and resting place for
them, For grown ups it is a land worth visiting. Those
who visit America will not leave the country without

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visiting Disney land as far as possible. It is like paying

our homage to Disney.
What is Disney land about? Let us hear about what
Mr Disney himself says. `It is a magic world. We
provided a place for knowing fairy tales, history,
scientific knowledge through entertainment. It
enables the grownups to reminisce and entertain the
children, at the same time enabling them to face
boldly the present as well as future challenges of
life.`
Disney land is built 35 miles away from the city Los
Angeles in California State. Every day countless cars
and buses endlessly transport visitors from Los
Angeles to the Disney Land. Let me talk about at least
some of its special features which entertain and
educate to children as well as grown ups. I write
about it to let it be known to people who did not see it
or could not see it.
Disney land is on a huge area. A train goes round it on
a railroad laid on cement pillars. It looks like a
walking whale or an airplane transporting the visitors.
It looks like a mixture of tram, motor and air plane. If
you ride the train to start with you will get a rough
idea of what you are going to see in Disney land.
There is another train. It resembles a small train
initially innovated. It has five-six stations. It is like
riding a cycle which enables us to see each and every
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corner of disney land. This is meant for children but

grown ups too get in. We have to buy ticket to see
Disney land. With that ticket we can go through
Disney land and also watch four shows we select. For
other shows we have to buy tickets separately. We
need to spend a little more than Rs 100 to see all the
shows and activities in Disney land.
There are many shows purely for the purpose of
entertainment. I could see only a few. Musicians play
music for dances and play actors, pure music sessions
are there. Painters and cartoonists are there. Mickey
Mouse cartoons make you laugh heartily. Even if you
are a serious person not laughing, you cannot but
laugh happily looking at the children enjoying and
laughing, giggling contentedly. There are giant wheels
and merry go rounds. Some carousels have cups and
saucers to sit in. Electric motors run the carousel very
speedily cups and saucers hit each other with a bang,
scaring you to death. But nothing dangerous happens.
You ride safely and get down safely. We rode zebra
like animals, and passed mountains, valleys, caves
and forests, and crossing streams. It took an hour. We
enjoyed like little kids who were sharing laughing
joking and expressing fear too.
During that trip we saw one Indian house. We saw the
Red Indians, some were cooking, some were singing
and some were guarding the area. We were happy to
see the Red Indians, Aboriginals-the real Red Indians171

the real owners of America. But when we were told

that we were not seeing real people there, -they were
all plastic figures-our mouths were agape wondering
how well the Disney fooled us!
On this trip we saw various kinds of snakes, squirrels,
mongooses, sheep, goats, tigers, lions, elephants,
camels, giraffes, whales, birds, foxes, dogs- all were
moving. They looked real, but in reality they were
made of plastic. It has all illusion--SANKARA MAYAphilosophy of myth is defeated here by the illusions.
Finally we got down those zebra like animals and
reached the seashore.
It is all water but not the sea. We got into a submarine.
It was like a boat in whale`s shape on the surface of
water. Its sides were mostly built of glass. After we all
settled down it dipped under the water- 40 or 50 yards
deep. We were safe in the boat. We only knew earlier
that there are diamonds, fish, whales in the sea. But
we saw many more species in the sea. One big whale
came attacking the boat with wide open mouth as
though it was going to swallow the boat. Kids were
scared , horrified, cried and screamed. We men though
scared pretended to be bold.But the whale did not
swallow us. We were thankfully safe.
Even that whale was a plastic toy, the trees, the fishes,
animals that we saw in the sea were the plastic
replicas.
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The submarine trip I enjoyed thoroughly. Next we

walked into a room which was full of birds. There
were many parrots. It was not India and they were not
RAMA CHILAKAlu -It was a 3 dimension movie. Its
technical name is -Audio-Animetranics-. Sound
replacing silent movies, colors invading T.V.-great
technical evolution. This Anglo-America tronics
brought a revolutionary change in the field of motion
pictures. Like in our puranas, trees, birds, flowers and
animals speak and sing but the human voices were
heard. Their movements synchronized with the
words. In our puranas all these species spoke in
human voices only. Sound and music were made to
synchronize with the movements of those species.
It rains- birds and flowers jump joyously, drenching,
singing and dancing in the rain. This technology adds
a special feature to the entertainment.
Science made all these technology possible. The
techniques used in space rackets are being used here
to amuse and entertain the tourists.
To make trees sing is not magic or jugglery. But we are
made to feel that it is all magical. We can call it
`musical fantasy`. We find here the co- mingling of the
voices of 200 people. We directly hear German,
Spanish, French, Irish and English languages.
When a song is started 60 birds sing it from all
directions. Words, songs and sounds are all
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amalgamated in such a way that you feel the birds

were really singing.
This total show takes place in 25 minutes. They have 3
shows an hour entertaining the visitors.
Let us see how the tubs connected to metal rope
function. There are two mountains a furlong apart.
They arranged a heavy metal rope connecting both the
mountains and six hanging tubs were fixed to it. One
person fits in a tub. With the help of electricity the
tube move from one side to the other. We feel as
though we are travelling in the air. We can see the
land below.
They have an arrangement to show how racket is
launched to the moon. There is a house built in round
shape with seating arrangement for the visitors. They
can see the moon. When the house is full they launch
a racket . We can see how much scientific knowledge
is used in this show. It is real education to the visitors.
Next we went to wax museum. They exhibited 60,70
wax figures of internationally famous actors. They
looked real people. Here you can have the satisfaction
of seeing world renowned actors and actresses by
spending a rupee from your pocket to buy a ticket.
There is lots of skill and artistic efficiency exhibited in
making these wax figures. Moonlight like happiness

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touches you. Softer than the wax is used for making

these figures.
There are many strange and wonderful things here in
Disney. There is a building in crescent moon shape
with the name plate ` See America`. In side we see a 3
dimensional movie showing the resources of America
and their social advancement in the past 30 years
commencing with the presidency of Roosevelt.
There are many geography and science centers which
educate people through entertainment.
I will to talk about one or two centers in Disney
before bidding good bye to it.
In the art gallery there you can get your picture drawn
just for 2 to 3 $.The artists draw the figures with
pencils, paint brushes and colors. Many young men
and women were getting their figures drawn
individually or in pairs. They were joking whether
they were beautiful or their figures. I enjoyed their
jokes.
Walt Disney is an expert in the field of animation. He
spent his enormous wealth and introduced that
technique in art and created beautiful pictures. This
technique is used in pencil sketches of animals, birds,
fish, trees and people. There are many colorful

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pictures, representing beauty in nature. These pictures

can stand in competition with the pictures in the
London art gallery in Trafalgar square. These are
many pictures which are superior to the pictures in
Chicago art gallery. There are the fine art divisions of
Disney land. I better take leave of Disney Land and
move on to Grand Canyon

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Grand Canyon
Grand

Canyon in Arizona State is famous for

Colorado river valleys and geological pockets. Once
upon a time it was the house of Red Indians who are
scarcely seen now. It is the land where we can see
their paintings, sculpture and beautifully woven
clothes which tell us how great skilled artisans they
are.

Here the nature looks like a mother who just gave

birth to her baby. To reach Grand Canyon we have to
reach the city from Flangstop airport and take a bus
from there. It was my longest bus journey in America.
At the time when Roosevelt was the President some
forest areas were designed as `National parks for the
collective use of the people. No individual can use
them as his own. One such area is Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon appeared in a large number of movies.
If you want to see the rich colors of nature you can
really see them in Grand Canyon. Disney reflects the
man made beauty but Grand Canyon valley represents
the beauty of nature. There we can see the difference
or comparison between
beautiful buildings
constructed by people and beautiful spots .Nature
itself provides us with naturally formed beautiful
sites.

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It rains very little in Grand Canyon area. It is 277 mile

long , 4 to 14 mile wide and one mile deep. Both sides
we see one mile high mountains like two banks. The
Colorado river flows in full speed, between them. On
both sides of mile deep mountains we see
multicolored stones shining like diamonds. It is the
place where even the atheists attribute knowledge to
nature.
We got into the mile long valleys riding the mules.
One mile is no distance on the land but in an uneven
valley it is a long distance. Here even the nearest place
looks a distant place. Just to get down one yard of land
we have to cross many bends . When looked up from
below the valley we were awe struck. Persons looked
like Liliputs. But immediately I felt brave and proud
thinking of how such small human beings are capable
of great knowledge, intellect and innovative skills that
enabled him to reach planets.
I wondered how long it took to cut the valleys in the
mountain areas. Geologists come to a conclusion that
it might have taken 70 or 90 lak years. It is said that
out of seven atmospheric areas in the world six are in
Grand Canyon. Hupy, Navoja, Havasupaic, Hayal pai
red Indians belong to Grand Canyon areas. Three out
of five geological science areas are here in the valley.
Geologists saw the valley for the first time in the year
1540. Since then research has been going on about its
history which has become the basic knowledge in
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geology. According to geological sciences as early as

in the 1st century mountain pieces - stones were
exhibited in Grand Canyon. They estimated that 5
lakh tons of melted soil flows down to the river every
24 hours. The scientists allotted 500 pre-historic areas
to the Grand Canyon. There are various living
species -sixty mammals -180 varieties of birds, 25
types of crocodiles, 25 types of jumping animals. The
park is worth seeing.
We saw the area up to 30 or 40 miles, walked in the
valley, climbed the mountains. In that area one mile
deep valley has 100 to 125 colored stones with many
layers. We enjoyed those beautiful sights wondering
how they formed into such colorful layers.
Everywhere we found restaurants and guest houses
with peculiar names. Can stay there for some days if
you like. Food is no problem. You can write poetry
and stories sitting there. The movement the visitors
enter the Canyon hall one geological researcher will
explain the history of Grand Canyon and also show a
movie. The sight and sound of it leaves the visitors
simply thrilled,.
A lot of literature is sold there. Though Red Indians
are not there now, the beautiful things carved by
them can be bought there. When I remarked that it
would have been better if the Red Indians themselves
sell their produce , they kept quiet.

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The beautiful things made by the Red Indians

resembled the artistic things made by the aboriginals
and mountain dwellers of India. They are not related
to each other in any way but the skill and artistic
ability both these people exhibited proves that people
are alike-human beings are the same everywhere. We
see the truth that they are all one .
AROUND MANHATTAN
New York is a city of islands Manhattan being one of
the islands. It is a big island surrounded by Hudson
river and Atlantic Ocean beach. We started om a
small steam boat , went round 30 mile area. The tour
guide explained to us the importance of many places
in our way.
This boat trip was real good. Food arrangements were
there in the boat itself. People were busy taking
pictures of prominent buildings, talking, joking. We
had good time.
After America got independence they erected a big
statue of a woman on a hill in a small island. They call
it the statue of Liberty. The statue holds a torch in her
raised hand. Our boat went around the statue before
taking us to see Manhattan.
Going round the statue had an emotional input on
me. Just like the Americans we too got freedom from
the Britishers. I felt the closeness between us and the
Americans while going round the statue.
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While sailing in the boat I observed the big buildings

passing by their foundations. I felt like counting the
multi -stories of those high buildings. My thoughts
too flew to the height of those buildings.
We passed the huge U.N.O building suitable to the
organization. We went into it and it looked much
bigger than it looked from outside.
We went round the huge buildings of various
enterprises. Their architecture and variations in
construction attracted us very much. Many boats,
ships were on sail around those buildings. Skating
boats move with stunning speed making loud noise
cutting the waters in their way.
We need great imaginary skills to see the difference
between our walking in the New York streets and
sailing in boats around it.
The highest building in the world
We have Himalayas in India, the highest mountain
range in the world. It is a gift of nature to us.
Empire State Building in New York with its 108 stories
is the highest building in the world. They are now
constructing two buildings with same number of
stories but higher than it. When they are completed
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Empire state building cannot compete with them in

height.( This is referring to twin towers which were
destroyed by terrorists later. In its place single tower is
erected)
This building is like a city worth of number of crores.
We went up in the lift at night time. We could not but
think what would happen if the lift got struck in the
midway. In the day time if you go up you can see
whole New York city from there. But it is real
beautiful in the night. You can feel the difference if
you see it in the day as well as in the night.
I saw it in the night. I could see crores of electric lights
emiting pleasant colors. I felt like describing them in a
poetic mood.
I felt as though I was standing much higher beyond
the stars. If people who have high imagination and
poetic sensibility can describe the scenes beautifully
in their poems.
I felt how a person could conquer the starry sky
through his creative skills. I enjoyed both visiting
Grand Canyon a mile below in the valley and walking
high up on the highest building in New York. It fills a
person with pride and self-importance. It is the place
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where people who think-AHAM BRHMAASMIshould live.

Though we were much below the flying airplanes we
felt that we were there much higher up. I was under
the illusion that the electric lights below are the real
stars and I was making fun of them that I could be
above them.
I went round watching the lights below as though the
stars jumped down in countless numbers enjoying
their status. I felt pity for those stars for their descent.
Meanwhile the moon felt sad that it could not do
anything without the stars around and went hiding
behind the clouds. The nature met its defeat. Such
were my proud feelings for human being`s creativity.
CHICAGO LAKES
I READ ABOUT about those lakes in my childhood.
Now I saw them personally. Those three lakes looked
like three mangoes hanging from a stalk in Nature
descending from the skies and settling in Chicago.
Calling them lakes is meaningless. I saw Chilka lake
in Orissa (India). It looks like sea.

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Chicago lakes are off shoots of ocean. A sage like

Agastya muni might have got angry with the oceans
and cursed them to lose their freedom and be
imprisoned on the earth like lakes.
Wow! What big lakes they are! They are not lakes.
They are oceans with huge waves. They can be homes
for whales. Whales cannot survive in rivers and lakes.
They need oceans. Those lakes could be their oceans.
I sailed certain distance in boats on those lakes. I was
reminded of my sailing in Atlantic ocean near New
York and in Pacific Ocean near San Francisco . Same
thrill I felt here too. They are not lakes but oceans.
Those are three crowns of Chicago.

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Few more salient features

I

have put down many of my observations about

America. I must say that there are many while I have
not covered. I have not touched industries and arts.
Some I just mentioned in a sweeping way. I have not
seen much. Not that I did not want to but I did not
have much time at my disposal. I can not even present
all that I have seen.
Before I conclude this book I like to mention a few
more of my simple observations.
While touring in America I came across certain words
which sound strange. When I was in Washington D.C.
I heard the word ` downtown`. I thought that this city
is full of ups and downs and the low level area is
called downtown. But that was not so in fact.
Downtown means business area . There is no
connection between this word and its meaning. I
expressed my doubt to some people but I could not
get proper answer.
Americans are different from us in the use of language
and pronunciation. In English we do not pronounce
every letter we write in a word. That kind of confusion
we don`t have in Telugu and Italian too. The influence
of German and French in English language led to this
confusion. Americans adopted some easy spellings to

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avoid confusion. We follow the British traditions. So

initially we feel American way a bit new.
In pronunciation too there are certain differences. For
example: The word schedue-British people say
`shedule` but the Americans say` schedule`.
Americans seem to use spoken language where in the
British stick to bookish language. They stick to their
tradition.
Americans walk fast. When I was studying in Andhra
Christian college ( Guntur-India) we observed Dr Roy
Strack walk speedily. Our running was equal to this
walk. We used to wonder about his speed. Here one
day I went to see Settlement of children and old
people. Rooth Tiffer Taylor was the manager there.
She was showing me the different centers in that
complex. She was walking very fast-almost like
running . She mentioned that the Indian s walk
slowly. I said: -what is the hurry? She laughed. Even
I increased my speed and walked faster than her. For
them it is natural, for us it is an effort.
They speak firmly but slowly. During my speeches
some audience felt that I spoke very fast.
They walk fast, drive fast but speak slowly. That is the
American way.
In most of the families both wife and husband work.
They all have breakfast at home, have their lunch in
their place of work. Children eat in their schools. The
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whole family sits together for their breakfast and

dinner.
Some families go to restaurants for dinner. Of late
their number is increasing. This eating at restaurants
did not appeal to me. Most of my hosts took me out
for dinner. I used this opportunity to discuss many
things and know their views and social life.
There is dating -tradition in the American society.
Young girls become close friends with young boys.
The boy who likes a girl will approach her parents and
request them to allow their daughter to go out with
him. Parents consider the matter and allow their
daughter to go out with that boy- for parties, for
movies and to watch sports events etc. Later those
young people`s friendship leads to their marriage.
this Americans tradition looks strange to us. But do
we have any good traditions as such?
Even before the marriage only the boy starts living on
his own, leaving his parents house. The girl and the
boy sometimes live together even before marriage.
After marriage the young people do not live with
their parents at all.
They visit the parents like guests and parents visit
them like guests only.
All have cars . At the end of the week almost all
families take a break, drive to some places or beach.

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They work only 5 days a week. By Friday evening they

will be busy with their weekend plans.
The whole family will sit in the car and rush to some
place or the other. Some stay in hotels, spend time
swimming, eating and enjoying. By Sunday evening
they are exhausted and return home. They are crazy
about their weekend enjoyment.
I asked them why they donot rest at home and be
ready for the next week`s work. Some agreed with me
. Some said that they loved to enjoy the weekend .
The British believe in taking rest at the weekend. The
Americans find rest in rushing to new places.
There are hotels and motels in America. Near the
motels they get gas for their cars, get them cleaned for
onward journey. Repairs are done if needed. They can
stay in the motel rooms. Food arrangements are there.
Motels are like brothers to Hotels, where the tourists
relax during their journey.
Many people travel in their own cars and there are
bus and car services available. They have green cabs,
yellow cabs and red cab services all over the country.
If you go to the airport in a cab and if you need cab
service at hour destination this cab service will
arrange for a cab to pick you up when you get off the
flight. All these are private services. But they function
throughout the country. Their transport services are

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much better than the nationalized transport systems

of the welfare countries.
Even the bus services are available nationwide. The
bus companies reduce the rates in competition with
each other. You can get your ticket transferred from
one service to other. They only make all arrangements
for you if you show your ticket to them.
You can go round the country using any one bus
service. They take you to the places you like to visit,
make arrangements for your rest and food etc.
Because of good transport people travel a lot.
Traveling is comfortable because of their good roads
allow speed travel. Less than sixty miles an hour
speed is considered unsafe. Accidents occur because
of much speed or too slow speed.
They have toll gate system on the state and country
roads. You have to pay tax while travelling. They say
you use the roads, and pay for the repairs, and they
pay. They have 4 lane system for their cars. In first
lane the cars move fast, second lane they move a bit
slow, 3 rd lane still slow in speed and 4th lane the cars
really move very slowly. To cross the roads they
should be very careful following the rules.
Car parking is a problem. If you park your car in a
place for more than specified time you will get a ticket,
the police will stick the ticket to your car , you have to

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pay the penalty specified in the ticket , within the

specified date. Otherwise the police seize your car.
The car drivers are really scared of the police in
America.
In the cabs and buses they have `receiver sets`. Before
your journey starts you have to tell them how many of
you are travelling together, from which place and
what is your destination. In case of emergency the
police will send messages to the vehicles and they
must be followed. This is one way of controlling
accidents.
I went to Madison college. The vice chancellor of
Wisconsin University complained that the students
from Andhra were neglecting their studies. I was
really surprised. Why students who came all the way
to study were neglecting their studies. I told him that I
would enquire the matter.
I was told that Andhra Pradesh government sent some
students here for refresher course so that they could be
employed in the rural universities which the
government was planning to start in our state. Those
who already put in 20 years service in the state
government were sent for refresher courses. They
could not concentrate on their studies here. They just
enjoy their facilities here simply waiting for the
completion of their course.

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The vice chancellor came across such students but all

the students were blamed as unfit or negligent. I
wondered how the vice-chancellor came to know that
those students were from Andhra.
Telugu was taught in that university. they knew how
many Andhras were there. But they could not
differentiate between the regular students and the
government employees as refresher course students.
I conveyed the message to the Vice Chancellor that
night on phone. He thanked me for the interest I took
in the matter. But I thanked him for his interest in
Andhra students.
Our government sent students not suitable to be sent
there and brought bad name to all our students.
Our government should employ people who are
already qualified in those courses. Instead they waste
money on people who are least interested in learning
anything. The government is answerable for such
wasteful efforts.
In America they are teaching some Indian languages.
They are making arrangements to teach Telugu in
Chicago University. They got the library ready and
they were getting news papers like Andhra Patrika.
I don`t know who advised them to buy those books
for their library as most of them are useless. I wrote a
letter to the Vice Chancellor that he should buy books
to the Telugu library consulting the registrar of
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Andhra University or the chairman of the Andhra

Sahitya academy.
Hindi, Urdu, Tamil and Telugu are being taught in
some places there. The teachers who are teaching
those languages are Indians.
Some Americans are really proud of their language
and literature. A famous novelist there with whom I
interacted told me that there is a lot of qualitative
literature in America and they don`t need to borrow it
from England. Perhaps the English people have to
borrow it from America.
I remarked that it is not good to draw national
boundaries in literature.
He said that the British are scared of `Big India`.

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CONCLUSION
I am able to put down here some of my experiences in
America during my sixty days tour. It is not possible
to expound everything. Every good thing should
finally come to an end. Hence I stop here.
We cannot see everything in such a big country in
such a short time. I cannot pretend that I have seen
everything and I know every thing about this country.
A close observation of every thing is not possible in
such a hurried trip.
My main purpose is to put down the things true to my
observation and understanding. I looked at things
keeping democratic values as basis for my opinions.
If the readers understand that I have not seen much of
America they will not expect more details from me.
I cannot say that everything in America is good.
Every country has its shortcomings. But I wanted to
present the good side of America that I have seen.
That may be some help to us. It is not my aim either
to criticize America or praise it. I don`t get into such
politics or controversies.
I wanted to tell my people about the good side I have
seen there.
I have seen their democratic way of functioning .
They are my social attitudes too.

193

If anybody differs from any opinions they can express

them giving their reasons rationally. I don`t have any
conflict with such persons.
Good things cannot be confined to certain places. They
will not have any national barriers. They can be found
anywhere.
I assumed impartial attitude to what I saw and what I
wrote.
I tried to coordinate certain ideas that we and the
Americans particularly have. Some may not like my
way. Truth is always bitter. You can find my search
for truth and love of freedom in my book. That was
my aim in my tour and in my observations.

Translated by Komala Venigalla

Retired professor in B R Ambedkar open university,
Hyderabad, India

194









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