It was the year 1924, on Jul 30th, in Vetlapalem, East Godavari district, Ramsha Darbha was born. Born to Sri Venkata Ramanayya and Srimathi Venkata Ratnam, he was named as Venkata Rama Sastry by his parents. Late Srimathi Rukmini Peramaamba was his only sibling.
Even though he was born into riches, Sri Rama Sastry had to go through many difficulties in his early ages. Losing his mother at an early age, he grew up with his aunt. This solitude led him to immerse himself in avid book reading and gotten used to inner monologue.
Sri Ramsha has completed his high school in Samalkot and his F.A in P.R. College, Kakinada. His innate moral compass, and the teachings of his Gurus, allo
wed him to blossom in his student days. He had some dedicated teachers, who understood his talents and were able to draw them out. During these days, Sri Nidadhavolu Venkata Rao realized that he would stand as the “Culmination of Knowledge” and renamed him as Ramsha (RAM SHAH). One might wonder, if Sri Venkata Rao might have the ability to see into the future as Sri Ramsha stood f
or the same.
From his entry as a student to the Literary circle, within no time, was able to rise to fame and acknowledged with the intellectuals of that time and felicitated. By the age of 24, he was known for his poems, prose, songs, short stories, and critically analytical articles. These works earned him followers from Berhampur to Kavali, who became fans of his work.
From 1944 to 1955, Sri Ramsha, along with Sri 
Somasundar became pivotal in leading Communist movements. Sri Ramsha, Sri Somasundar and Sri Sasanka were the famous Poetic trio in the literary circle. Sri Ramsha is highly influenced by Carl Marx works. Marx comments on Indian Economy and the influence of Brahmin economic system is often mentioned by Sri Ramsha in his dialogue. He often mentioned that ‘Marxism is of great importance and helps community building. But the so-called Marxists do not understand the essence of the philosophy which led to it ultimate misunderstanding and absurdity.’
This is the same era when Sri Ramsha was famous for being a Poet, Writer, Critic, Actor, Playwriter, Judge. ‘Sila Pratima’ is his first play and his famous play was ‘Lakhmipatim gari Ammayilu’. ‘Kameswari Katha(novel)’ ‘Manastatvaalu’, ‘Meenakshi Muddu’, ‘ Priyuralu’, ‘Pelli Tirakasu’, ‘Mondi cheyyi’, ‘Chetta Kadha’, ‘Prema pakshulu’ were his well known works. Among these’ Kameshwari Katha’ was the best seller till date. For the play ‘ Kullu Saruku’, he won the Andhra Nataka Kalaparishat award for his acting.
In 1984, at the age of 24, Sri Ramsha received his first felicitation in Akhilandra Sahitya Parishat located at Chodavaram, Visakhapatnam Dist. This is headed by Sarvasri Dr. Chilukuri NarayanaRao, Vedula Satyanarayana Sastry, Vajjhula Kalidasu, Malladi Suryanarayana Sastry, Pilaka Ganapathy Sastry etc.,
Sri Ramsha and Smt. Sirisha began their marital journey in 1948. His primary source of living was the earnings from the articles to various newspapers and magazines, awards and remunerations for his articles, poems and stories and small yield from the farm.
As the time went by, Sri Ramsha had to withdraw from the Communist movement due to family necessities and needs to earn. He did odd jobs in Magazines and newspaper offices, Samalkot sugar factory etc.,
Sri Dhanikonda Hanumanth Rao garu, a good friend of Sri Ramsha is the founder of ‘Jyoti’ and “Abhisarika’ magazines played a key role in shaping Sri Ramsha’s personality. Sri Vedula Satyanarayana was Sri Ramsha’s guru in Literary field, however it was Sri Dhanikonda in personal life. Sri Ramsha’s columns and articles on science were published in ‘Abhisarika’.
Sri Ramsha, in 1957, realizing the contradictions and opportunists’ infiltration in the communist philosophy, has established ‘ Dharma Chakra Power Press’. It wasn’t all bed of roses since the business wasn’t running smooth. Disappointed but not disheartened with the response, Sri Ramsha started publishing his own writings and articles. By then ‘Abhisarika’ has been shifted from Tenali to Madras. It was then Sri Dhanikonda suggested that Sri Ramsha take up the management of ‘Abhisarika’
Sri Ramsha along with Smt Sirisha, took up the herculean task of running ‘Abhisarika’ all by themselves. It took their blood sweat and tears but not in vain. ‘Abhisarika’s’ 30 years of legacy is widely popular among the Telugu readers. Smt. Sirisha is quite pivotal in the success of Sri Ramsha and the magazine ‘Abhisarika’. She stood as the central pillar of support through his Zenith and Nadar of his professional and personal life.
1960 to 1990 was the golden era of ‘Abhisarika’. Sri Ramsha was persistent on educating the readers on personal, sexual, and marital issues. Through ‘Abhisarika’, he was a good friend, a brother, a supportive father. This led ‘Abhisarika- Ramsha Sirisha’ names to be coined in the minds of the readers. Non exist without the other.
It wasn’t all path of success and glory through the 30 years of ‘Abhisarika’. There were hurdles of finances, ideologies etc., There was time by 1974, that the magazine could have been shut. With the support of Smt. Sirisha, friends and family, his own persistence, he led the magazine through those dark days to light. Significant success of the magazine includes reformations on ‘Legalization of abortions’, ‘Reducing marriageable age from 21 years to 18 years’, ‘Introducing sex education in high school’.
Along with ‘Adagandi-Chebutanu (Answers to reader’s questions)’ many articles on ‘Sexual awareness and wellness’, Dharmasastra commentaries, social issues etc., have speared ‘Abhisarika’ to be the second most popular Telugu magazine.
Like any other life story, Sri Ramsha’s marital life saw a great sadness when Smt. Sirisha passed away in her 47th year in 1982 due to heart disease. Sri Ramsha was also ill due to heart attack and was hospitalized 4 months ago. He was 58, close to retirement age.
Sri Ramsha took the aid of books to compensate the solitude. He doubled his energies at work and has put it more effort. Till 1990, he was working for almost 18 hours a day.
What helped him more was the suggestion from his friends. He conducted a ‘Meet the Editor’ program every month in the Andhra and Telangana areas. This helped him relish helping his fellow humans and he was happy with what life has newly given him. Although this tired him out, he was equally content with his work. His illness never stopped him from conducting camps and meetings. So much that he was replying to readers’ questions even when he was unable to utter few words. His suggestions and solutions during 1983-1990 helped around 2100 people to be blessed with children.
Readers from neighboring states, Arab countries were enthusiastic to read ‘Abhisarika’. This led to draw plans to start ‘Abhisarika’ in Hindi too. He always wanted to start a daily newspaper ‘Chanakya’. All dreams were unfulfilled when he reached the God’s abode in 1990.
Philosophy and Dharma Sastra are his favorite subjects. Maharshi Gautama’s ‘Nyayadarsanam’, ‘Kanaadula Vaiseshikam’, Pantajali Yoga sasanam, Maharshi Kapila’s Saankhya Darsanam have been rewritten by Sri Ramsha for an easier reading. Brahmasutras, Vasishtasmruthi, Gautama’s dharmasutras, Kautilya’s Ardhasastra have seen first publications. However, Gobhiludi Vivahasutras, Gnana Vasisthikam, Bhartruhari Subhashitalu, Manusmruti were left unfinished. He was always keen on publishing Buddhist grandhas, Narada, Parasura, Bhrigu smruthis, Upanishads and a good Telugu Dictionary.
Sri Ramsha Sirisha are blessed with 5 children. They have been named adter his Favourite ‘George Bernard Shaw’, taking Sha of his name. Eldest son – Venkata Ramana Poosha, followed by 3 daughters, Ratnagiri Usha, Venatagiri Sesha, Padmavathi Gnana Yosha. Last son is Appaji Ambarisha.
Venkata Ramana Poosha is a Doctorate in Human Genetics. His wife Veluvarthi Jayanti Padmavathis has done Masters in the same field. They both are continued the legacy of Sri Ramsha Sirisha by educating readers of ‘Abhisarika’ on sexual wellness and health. Their daughters are Sirisha and Jigisha
Ratnagiri Usha is a Doctorate in English and is married to Anesthetist Dr. Sistla Gopala KrishnaMurthy of Repalle. She retired as the Principal of Kakinada Govt. Women’s College. Their daughters are Sri Valli and Sindura.
Venkatagiri Sesha is master’s in history, is married to Sri Late. Kota Nagaraja Sastry who was a higher official in various Multinational companies. Currently residing in Hyderabad and working as a Lecturer. Their daughters are Sameera and Sireesha
Padmavathi GnanaYosha is a graduate in Homescience and is married to Veluvarthi Bhaskar Jagannath. Currently residing in Hyderabad and working as a school Vice Prinicipal. Their daughters are Anusha and Manisha.
Appaji Ambarisha is a graduate in Telugu. Worked as a Creative Director for Advertising agencies, develops Unicode Telugu fonts. Currently residing in Hyderabad, is also an actor, is married to, writer Dr. Miriyala Ramkrishna’s Daughter Sudharani, Doctor at Nims. Their only son is Sri Venkata Ramsha.
Some of the photos from Sri Ramsha’s Life:
