Professionals ensure Telugu verse DRAMA LIVES LONG

In an era dominated by digital screens and fast-paced routines, a group of young professionals in Vijayawada is breathing a new life into one of India's oldest theatrical traditions—Telugu verse drama or Padya Natakam.

- K KALYAN KRISHNA KUMAR @ Vijayawada

Age is no barrier to learning, and veteran psychiatrist Dr Karri Ramareddy has proved it. At 72, when most people look to retire, he continues to pursue academic excellence. He has earned 61 degrees, including three PhDs and 11 certifications through the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), offered by premier institutions such as IIT Mumbai and IIT Kharagpur. He has topped eight of the NPTEL courses among thousands of learners across the country, securing Elite Plus Silver or Gold grades in each, which is his latest achievement.

Born in Rajamahendravaram, on August 1, 1954, and raised in the small town of Anaparthi in East Godavari district, his journey has been one of relentless learning. He completed his early education at the Government Zilla Parishad High School in Anaparthi, his PUC at PR College in Kakinada, and his MBBS at Rangaraya Medical College in 1970. He later joined the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, where he completed his MD in Psychiatry.

Dr Ramareddy is the recipient of prestigious honours such as the Rashtrapati Award and the Dr BC Roy Award. Among his 61 degrees are five LLMs. His three doctoral degrees include one in Law from Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University in Visakhapatnam, Yoga from Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth in Pune, and a third in Education from Bharathiar University. "As long as you are curious, every day becomes a new opportunity. There is no age limit for learning," he said. "Fitness and learning are constants in my life. I never let age come between me and my curiosity."