M.V. Ramana Reddy hails from Lakudaram village in Siddipet district and has visited almost eighty countries before the call to serve his motherland brought him back to Hyderabad. His design for the Telangana Martyrs Memorial museum complex has just been approved by the State Government and will be constructed around the parking zone of Lumbini Park. Says Ramana Reddy, “The concept of the design is based on Dhruvatara. Most of the Kakatiya designs also have the concept of polygons within them. I think the design must reflect and remind people of the Stars of Telangana who are far away, yet near to our hearts for their contribution towards ushering in the new State. Once a family visits this place, they should be able to spend a few hours understanding the people behind the emergence of the new State.”
Recalling his childhood, he says, “I did my schooling in the Nirmal town of Adilabad and my home was in the lane next to artists making Nirmal toys. Since then, I wanted to make sand and clay toys while the other children were busy playing sports. In my seventh class, my art teacher Kapu Rajaiah spotted my talent and encouraged me to pursue Art.”
M.V. Ramana Reddy
He adds, “In 1983, I came to Hyderabad and joined the now JNAFAU but had to discontinue due to a financial crunch. Back then, art was about painting hoardings and walls of temples. Doing such work took me to places like Aurangabad. After making some money, I rejoined JNAFAU in 1985 and passed BFA in Sculpture with a gold medal. This inspired me to take up further studies at the MS University in Baroda. After eight months, I was offered an exchange programme to Germany. My sculptures were a part of many collections in Germany.”
Ramana says that Hyderabad Art Society must have a permanent place of its own with studio facilities for artists. “Like abroad, I look forward to artists having social security benefits and respect in society. India is emerging in the art scenario and I can see many positive changes in the city of Hyderabad. There is a need to grow together,” he concludes.
— The writer is a Musician, Creator of ‘Jaywant Guitar’ and a freelance photographer
