False friendship like the shadows of the forenoon goes on decreasing, and at last, dies out; while friendship true like that of the afternoon though scant at first achieves full stature soon

• Bhatruhari Subhashithani.  

The same was quoted by my father, DrAyalasomayajula GopalaRao garu, in one of his books, ‘మంచి మాట’ (-one good word).

In this book, my father highlighted various aspects of life such as the importance and need of true friendships, moral responsibilities, the power of truth, strength in leading an exemplary life, what we seek vs. what’s good for us, how our inner thoughts influence our deeds, and many more—a must-read.

I am still on the first chapter of friendships reminiscing and celebrating my true friends that come and go (with my nomadic lifestyle;)) but treasured in my memory chest preciously forever. Who else can value them better than the one badly backstabbed on more than one occasion!
Every experience is worth it; no light without darkness.

The author, Dr. Ayalasomayajula GopalaRao, served as a Telugu and Sanskrit languages professor at Maharaja Sanskrit College, Vizianagaram, until his retirement in the year 2003. The Government of Andhra Pradesh appointed him as one of the four members of the Official Language Commission to study the usage of Telugu, its current impact and suggest steps to improve its continued use, given the English & Hindi preponderance in our day to day lives.

Dr. Rao has conducted several ‘Netravadhanam’ a language spoken just with eyes) and ‘Angushatavadhanam’ (language based on the movement of fingers) sessions across the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. His contribution to these relatively less known aspects of Telugu literary arts has earned him recognition from the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

More about my dad in detail soon!