HYDERABAD: The Andhra Mahila Sabha, which came into being in 1938, on Thursday brought out the third volume of its history, The Stone That Speaketh. Former chief secretary Narendra Luther launched the book at a function held at the Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital and Research Centre.
The first two volumes in the series were penned by the founder, Dr Durgabai Deshmukh, herself. The latest volume is edited by Prof IV Chalapathi Rao, Dr S Sarada, Dr Geetha Rao and Seetharam Bai. Speaking on the occasion, Narendra Luther, who hoisted the tricolour and paid tributes to the freedom fighters, recalled his association with Dr Durgabai Deshmukh. “Dr Deshmukh had always considered education as the only way of liberation for women. She dedicated her life for this cause,” he said and explained the life and times of Deshmukh for the benefit of the audience.
Prof Chalapathi Rao, who had earlier written a biographical piece on Dr Deshmukh, said, “It took around eight months for collecting and compiling the history of the Andhra Mahila Sabha till 1978.” He added that the term ‘stone’ in the title of the book referred to each endeavor and institution set up by the Sabha.
“To set up institutions that outlast one’s life is the real contribution of one’s life,” said Narendra Luther adding that the task of the Andhra Mahila Sabha had not been completed yet.
Students from the Durgabai Deshmukh Vocational Training and Rehabilitation Centre for the Handicapped and the
Durgabai Deshmukh College of Physiotherapy made the day colourful with cultural programs.