Musicologist Hasam Raja's "Aapatha Madhuram 2" Launched in Hyderabad

The book "Aapatha Madhuram 2", written by celebrated journalist, musicologist and 'Hasam' magazine editor, the late Raja, was published by his daughters Shreshta and Keerthana. The book launch event was held on Tuesday, January 21, at the Srinivasa Reddy Auditorium in the KIMS - Sunshine Hospital building in Secunderabad. Noted personalities and various music enthusiasts attended this ceremony.
Dr. Gurava Reddy unveiled the book and presented the first copy to popular music enthusiast and analyst J. Madhusudana Sharma. 
Speaking at the event, Dr. Guruva Reddy said, "I am a huge admirer of Raja garu's Hasam magazine and the website he managed. I request his children to revive that website. I think Raja garu was like Binaca Geetmala's Amin Sayani for Telugu people. I published the first part of Aapatha Madhuram along with my friend Dr. Bhargavi in Pamarru. My brother-in-law, Dr. Varaprasad Reddy, inspired me to publish books. I think if Raja had been with us longer, he might have analyzed songs up to 1971. If Madhusudana Sharma garu takes up this task, I will take responsibility for bringing it out as a book."
Honourable guest C. Mrinalini said, "Raja garu delved deep into songs to analyse their musical and lyrical aspects. He used to closely study the composers' style, and lycricits' words and analyse them. His analysis will improve our understanding of music and enhance our appreciation towards it. Raja garu had a rare ability to combine the perspectives of music directors, lyricists and singers to give in-depth insights into songs. He not only immersed himself in the essence of music but also drew us into it. Including QR codes in this book is an excellent idea. It would allow readers to both read about and listen to the songs."
Popular music director RP Patnaik revealed that he once had an idea of conducting a show titled "Pata" to explore the origins and creation of songs. He recalled that Raja offered his support to the idea but left this world without fulfilling the promise. Patnaik then requested Madhusudhana Sharma to at least pass on his musical knowledge to the next generation. 
The book's publisher, Dr Varaprasad Reddy explained his close bond with Raja. He said that he launched Hasam magazine with Raja being the editor due to his immense knowledge of music. He said that many people still ask him why he had to discontinue Hasam magazine and clarified that it was due to Raja's uncompromising nature. Varaprasad noted that he felt publishing Hasam without Raja was not right, so he decided to stop it. He added that they continue to publish books under the Hasam banner. He then appreciated Raja's daughters, Shreshta and Keerthana, for their efforts in bringing out Aapatha Madhuram - 2 despite being in the U.S.
J. Madhusudhana Sharma thanked Raja's daughters for dedicating this book to him as a sign of their admiration. Popular lyricist Bhaskarabhatla Ravikumar also shared his relationship with Raja and Hasam Magazine.
Raja's elder daughter Shreshta thanked the audience for their support and promised to revive Raja's website soon.