VIVEK SHUKLA
My introduction to the world of journalism, in a personal sense, began around 1982 with K. Vikram Rao.
The connection was forged through his elder brother, K.N. Rao, who was not only our neighbour on Minto Road but also a dear friend of my father.
It was at Mr. K.N. Rao’s home that I first met Vikram Rao. Our discussions often touched upon pressing national issues, including the upcoming Asian Games and the escalating terrorism in Punjab.
We shared a conviction that hosting the Games was a misallocation of resources, money that could have been better utilized elsewhere.
He was particularly pleased to learn of my involvement in ‘Safed Appu,’ a street play I participated in alongside Anjali Deshpande, Amit Barua and others, which aimed to highlight the lopsided government policies behind staging the event.
These initial encounters led to more regular meetings at his brother’s residence, and it was there, I believe, that I first saw Sujata Madhok ji.
As time progressed, I too embarked on a career in journalism, and Vikram Rao ji and I remained in touch. Despite holding differing views on several issues, our friendship endured.
He expressed genuine happiness when I published my first book on Gandhi, but his delight was even more palpable when my book on Connaught Place was released.
The reason was deeply personal and understandable: he was born in Jain Mandir compound, just behind Shivaji stadium. We will miss you, Mr K Vikram Rao .
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