Pearls of wisdom

 Gurajada Apparao, one of the greatest literary figures of Telugu literature, revolutionized the way people thought about patriotism and social reform. His famous line:

"దేశమంటే మట్టి కాదోయి! దేశమంటే మనుషులోయి!!"

(Desham ante matti kaadoyi! Desham ante manushuloyi!!)

translates to "A nation is not just land; a nation is its people!" This powerful statement shifts the focus from territorial boundaries to human welfare, emphasizing that the true essence of a country lies in its people and their well-being.

Gurajada Apparao’s Vision

Gurajada was not just a poet but a social reformer who strongly believed in the upliftment of society through progressive thought. His poetry and plays, especially Kanyasulkam, were aimed at eradicating deep-rooted social evils like dowry and caste discrimination.

More of His Great Quotes & Teachings

1. "సతీమతులకంటే సచ్చటిగాఉండే వేశ్యలే మేలు!"

(Satimathulakante sachatiga unde vesyale melu!)

→ "Better an honest courtesan than a hypocritical chaste woman!"

This bold statement from Kanyasulkam challenges the hypocrisy in society where women were oppressed under the guise of morality while being exploited.

2. "వందే మాతరం" – దేశభక్తికి ఓ ప్రేరణ

Gurajada was deeply inspired by nationalism and promoted the idea of Bharatiya Swatantra (Indian Independence). His contributions to the freedom movement included patriotic poetry and a call for self-respect among Indians.

3. "మనకు మేలయినదే దేశానికీ మేలు"

(Manaku melayina de desaniki melu)

→ "What is good for us is good for the country too."

He believed in individual responsibility toward society. If every person worked toward their own betterment with honesty and integrity, the country as a whole would flourish.

4. "ఆడపిల్ల చదవాలా? అబ్బాయిలతో సమానం కాకూడదా?"

(Adapilla chadavala? Abbayilatho samanam kaakudada?)

→ "Shouldn't girls be educated? Shouldn't they be equal to boys?"

He was a strong advocate for women’s education and gender equality, a theme that is strongly evident in his works.

Mutyala Saramulu – Pearls of Wisdom

Gurajada’s writings were filled with these Mutyala Saramulu (pearls of wisdom), which not only inspired people during his time but continue to remain relevant today. His words urged people to think, question, and reform society rather than blindly follow outdated customs.

Gurajada Apparao's "Mutyala Saralu" (Pearls of Wisdom) is a collection of thought-provoking, concise yet deeply meaningful verses that reflect his progressive ideals, social concerns, and humanistic philosophy. These aphorisms serve as timeless moral and intellectual guides, urging people to embrace rational thinking, social justice, and self-improvement. Here are some of the most impactful ones along with their meanings:

1. "అభిమానమంటే లోకోత్తమ నిశ్శంక స్వార్థం"

("Abhimanamante lokottama nisshanka swartham")

Meaning: True self-respect is a noble and fearless selflessness.

Gurajada redefined self-respect, emphasizing that it should come from selfless service and fearless pursuit of truth rather than ego and vanity.

2. "నన్ను బాగు చేసికొంటే లోకం బాగు"

("Nannu baguchesikonte lokam bagu")

Meaning: If I improve myself, the world will improve.

He highlights personal responsibility in social progress. Before blaming society, one must first correct themselves.

3. "పొరపాటు లేదు అనేవాడు మూర్ఖుడు"

("Porapatu ledu anevadu moorkhudu")

Meaning: One who claims to never make mistakes is a fool.

This is a sharp critique of arrogance and close-mindedness. Accepting mistakes and learning from them is key to growth.

4. "మగతనమంటే పొడుపు - పొగరుకాదు"

("Magatanamante podupu – pogaru kaadu")

Meaning: Manliness is about patience, not arrogance.

He challenges toxic masculinity, urging men to be wise and composed instead of aggressive and egotistical.

5. "సత్యం బ్రహ్మం – మౌనమే మోక్షం

("Satyam Brahmam – Mauname Moksham")

Meaning: Truth is divine; silence is liberation.

This highlights the importance of truth in spirituality and the power of silence in achieving inner peace.

6. "గొప్పతనమంటే జనసేవ – అధికారం కాదు"

("Goppatanamante janaseva – adhikaram kaadu")

Meaning: Greatness lies in serving people, not in authority.

Power is not a privilege but a responsibility. True leaders serve rather than dominate.

7. "అలవాటే మానవుని మహా శత్రువు"

("Alavate manavuni maha shatruvu")

Meaning: Habit is man’s greatest enemy.

This warns against blind adherence to traditions and urges people to evolve with time.

8. "సమాజాన్ని శుద్ధి చేయడం మహాపుణ్యం"

("Samajanni shuddhi cheyadam maha punyam")

Meaning: Purifying society is the greatest virtue.

Social reform is the highest form of righteousness. He encourages people to fight against corruption, inequality, and injustice.

9. "ఆడదానికి చదువు విలువ. కాని చదువుకున్న ఆడది విలువైనదా?"

("Adadaniki chaduvu viluva. Kani chadivukunna adadi viluvainada?")

Meaning: Education is valuable for a woman. But is an educated woman valued?

This sharp question critiques societal hypocrisy that encourages women’s education but refuses to give them equal respect and opportunities.

10. "నిన్నూ నన్నూ వాడేది సమాజం – సమాజాన్నీ వాడేదెవరు?"

("Ninnu nannu vadedi samajam – samajan-ni vadedevaru?")

Meaning: Society uses you and me. But who uses society?

A profound thought on power structures and how people should be mindful of those who manipulate society for personal gain.

Gurajada Apparao’s Mutyala Saramulu are not just poetic lines; they are a philosophy for life. They question blind traditions, promote rational thinking, and inspire people to work toward a better society. His words remain timeless, guiding generations toward justice, self-improvement, and progress.