A Tribute
Rev. P.Isaac Vara Prasad Pastor C.S.I. Church, Pulivendula
One’s spiritual life may be a witness to other and an example to the life of yet another. For many people a witnessing life story will always be a model and source of inspiration. In these lines the autobiography by Sri YS Chinna Konda Reddy is an attempt with the aim of inspiring many faith journeys as a source document. This book, I am sure would be a blessing and a divine inspiration to all the readers. About 18 years ago, in 1990 – 91 when I was working in Pulivendla division, Sri YS Chinna Konda Reddy in his old age was known to me. I was able to see him personally and cherished his preaching in Pulivendla Church worship. Especially his preaching on Psalm 18 is indelible in my mind. I have seen his interest in the church and love for all the members. Sri YS Chinna Konda Reddy was a man of simplicity, truthfulness, hard work. He was a cultured man of piousness. A book about him is my humble attempt and a great privilege. I express my gratitude to all those who have supplied information for this book.
Childhood and education Late Sri Yeduguri Sandinti Chinna Konda Reddy was born to Sri Y S Venkata Reddy and Smt.Lakshmamma in Balapanur village of Pulivendla taluk in Kadapa district on 13th July 1913. Since his birth, his parents were in Hindu religion. In 1925, his father Sri Venkata Reddy 11 received Jesus Christ as his personal saviour and was baptized and lived in Christian faith. Sri Chinna Konda Reddy was 12 years old when he was baptized along with his father. Father’s faithful life had a very strong impact on his life and he followed Christian practices of family prayer, church fellowship. The eldest son, Sri Pedda Konda Reddy was not able to take family responsibilities; therefore Chinna Konda Reddy had to take the responsibilities along with his father in the work of contracts and agriculture. He took care of all his brothers and sisters, their education and marriages. Thus, from his childhood he had been obedient to his father.
Marriage and family life Sri Chinna Konda Reddy got married to Rajamma daughter of Sri Pedda Subba Reddy in Balapanur, their wedding was conducted by Rev.Rumphus, Rev.Scopes and Rev.Satya Joseph in 1932. The marriage took place in a big garden which was attended by thousands of people. Many people came just to see Sri Konda Reddy’s wedding coat. Smt. Rajamma who is the daughter in law of a big joint family was able to go well along with her sisters- in-law, co-sisters and brothers-in-law with love and affection. She was helpful to all of them. God blessed their married life with 6 sons and 5 daughters. Their children are – 1.Suseela, 2.Vedamani, 3.Ananda Reddy, 4.Prakash Reddy, 5.Prathap Reddy, 6.Suguna, 7.Sulochana, 8.Syamala, 9.Bhaskara Reddy, 10.Manohar Reddy and 11.Joseph Reddy. In 1948, when Sulochanamma was a kid, they moved from Pulivendla to Balapanur. Though Chinna Konda Reddy’s wife Rajamma was illiterate, she was wise enough to take care of her family with patience. As a good wife and loving mother, she brought up all the kids with proficiency and efficiency. Her way of bringing up the children 12 was a blessed model to all of them. She was firm and steady in all difficult situations facing all challenges boldly because of her prayerful life and belief in God’s guidance. She stood for the family in all circumstances.
As a contractor As his father, Sri Venkata Reddy was a well known contractor, Sri Konda Reddy started working with his father and learned the business well and became an expert. In the beginning, the missionaries built the school building in Gooty while Konda Reddy got a chance to build missionary buildings in Jammalamadugu. He also built 22 curves in the ghat road on the way to Kadiri in 1952. Guntakal Railway Quarters, Ramamadugu Project works at Dichpalle, Nizamabad in 1963, Kotapalle project work near Vikarabad in 1967, Pulivendla Government Hospital building in 1971-73, many PWD and R&B works were the most important ones which he accomplished with quality and efficiency. He was recognized by the government as Class-I contractor, though the officers did not supervise his works, he was always conscious that God would be supervising him. He worked hard with honesty and finished all his contracts with appropriate specifications. He had given more importance to his reputation rather than to money. He played an important role in finishing the CSI church construction in Pulivendla. The profession which made him famous also gave him lot of difficulties. He had to face huge financial crises with many ups and downs. In 1973, he went for two railway contract tenders. Work agreement was done. But in 1974 financial year, the material cost shown in the agreement was increased drastically. He had to continue the work with increased construction cost which caused him a huge deficit. According to agreement, he took on the challenge to start the second work without any money in his hands. 13
This financial crisis is the worst thing he ever faced in his life, which overturned his life and disturbed him emotionally. He was afraid that his reputation would be at stake if people comment-“Konda Reddy could not accomplish the task”. Therefore he continued the work. He had to borrow money from others, which resulted in massive financial problems. By God’s grace his sons took these situations as challenge and worked hard and slowly got the family out of the crises.
As a Believer Sri Konda Reddy was born in a Hindu family. He accepted Jesus Christ and had very clear conversion experience. His wife Rajamma, though came from a Hindu family, understood him well and she also believed Jesus Christ. Though he was very tightly engaged in his activities, he never neglected reading the Bible, doing prayers and attending the CSI Church with his family.
Construction of the church Though the church construction in pulivendula was started in 1937, it was left unfinished due to financial problems. Church pastor at that time, Rev. Yadiki Satya Joseph coordinated with London Mission Society for help to finish the construction, and left the responsibility of the construction of the church to Konda Reddy to finish it within Rs. 2,000 . Sri China konda Reddy took the responsibility happily. He personally went to Balarsha to bring the quality wood, finished the construction and 14 returned Rs. 500. He proved to be honest good believer, responsible and devoted to the church.
Reading the Bible He loved reading the Bible. He not only read the Bible but understood it and preached in clear words. He used to give message in the church every Sunday. In his old age, he used to sit in the church along with other dalit members on the floor during worship. When his sons were grown up to take care of their business, contracts, agriculture, he devoted his time fully to God. He preached the word of God in many villages through his testimony. Every Sunday he used to visit villages and preached the word of God. Like this he used to visit Maduru, Balapanuru, EddulaYeni, Besthavaripalle. He gave his testimony in the centre of pulivendla town, about how God changed his life. Everyday he does his morning prayers and get ready by 6.30 am for work. Every evening he used to have family prayers. He loved reading Christian magazines.
Social life and Political Career From the beginning, Y.S. families had a Reddy political impact in pulivendula. Their political experience, social awareness, leadership qualities were so homely that they were able to reach everyone, small or big. They believed “Service to people is service to God”. Sri Y.S.C.Konda Reddy was elected unanimously in Panchyat elections. As a panchayat president he accomplished his term efficiently for 1966-1971. He helped the needy in anyway that was possible without expecting much of publicity. He was a model figure to many people and families. All those who were helped by him, attained high positions and are very thankful to Chinna Konda Reddy. 15
Old Age As he grew older, he handed over everything to his sons. In 1979 he divided the property for all the children. From 1980 he stayed with his last son Y.S.Joseph Reddy as he felt that he would be of some help to him in his farming. July 13th which was his birthday, he fell sick, was admitted to the hospital, and eventually taken to Hyderabad for treatment. After 23 days he was brought back to pulivendla. On July 30th, he was admitted in his daughter Sugunamma’s hospital for the treatment. In his old age, Sri Konda Reddy worried about his children, stating – “All the parents leave properties as heritage to their children, but I couldn’t give anything to my children”. His second son consoled him saying – “you taught us how to work hard, showed us the path, this is the best property that we get from you”. His health deteriorated slowly. He slept in the Lord on 14th November 1993. His disciplined life with great qualities and experiences are models to everyone. Praise the Lord
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Pro.16:32