Gangamma Poolu, a stark reminder of Rayalaseema’s everyday struggle

These stories explore diverse themes and depict the relentless struggle, mainly in rural areas, for groundwater sources. They address issues related to drought-stricken lands, dried-up borewells and barren canals. One story raises the critical question of why, despite numerous borewells being drilled, water remains elusive.

The central theme revolves around Gangamma, Goddess of Water. In the last story, rain finally pours down and revives the dried-up river; and villagers offer flowers to the river, symbolising gratitude and hope. This positive energy brings the book to a hopeful conclusion.

“In the same collection, I have written Mayura Khedam, which portrays the lives of women migrating from tribal hamlets in Rayalaseema to red-light areas of cities like Pune and Mumbai. Another story Tamil Kooli sheds light on the hardships of Tamil labourers who migrate to Rayalaseema and work for red sandalwood smugglers,” Dr. Gangadhar told Deccan Chronicle.

Similarly, Garuda Pacha captures the lives of people searching for gemstones in the Vajragiri region of Anantapur district after rainfall. Uranium Palle focuses on the adverse impact of radiation from the uranium factory in Pulivendula constituency of Rayalaseema, highlighting the condition and struggles of people in the surrounding areas.

Dr. Gangadhar’s short story collection Molakala Punnami won the first-ever central Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar in 2011. He received a bronze plaque from renowned writer Sunil Gangopadhyay. So far, he has written around 120 stories, all of them reflecting the woes of Rayalaseema.

Dr. Vempalli Gangadhar is recognized as the first Indian literary figure to receive the distinguished hospitality at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He stayed there from September 8 to September 26, 2014.