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Brief Bio-data
Member of Rajya Sabha

 

UPENDRA, SHRI P.:

M.A. (English Literature), Diploma in Journalism and Public Administration; Independent (Andhra Pradesh); son of late Shri P. Dasaratharamaiah, and Late Shrimati Satyavathi; born at Pothunuru, Denduluru Mandal, District West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, July 14, 1936; educated. at (i) Andhra University, Waltair and (ii) Madras University, Madras; married Shrimati P. Vasundhara, January 4, 1956; 3 son and 1 daughter

Journalist, politician and social worker; belongs to freedom fighters family; associated with and office bearer of a number of professional, social and cultural organisations from student days; actively participated in the Satyagraha for separate Andhra State and was arrested at Bhimavaram in 1952; Organised, (i) relief work by the student groups during Godavari floods, 1953-54 and (ii) welfare and educational activities for the benefit of Telugu Port and Dock Workers in Calcutta, 1961--74; was actively associated with Consumer Cooperative Movement in West Bengal for a long time; was Chairman, Calcutta Wholesale Consumers Cooperative Society Limited for a year and its Director for six years; left Government Service in 1982 to join Telugu Desam; was honoured (i) by West Bengal Government for his role in maintaining communal harmony in Calcutta and (ii) with three special awards by the Government of India for meritorious services; founder, Democratic Students' Union of Andhra and established a number of educational institutions, libraries and adult education centres for workers in Calcutta and Suburbs, 1961--74; Vice-President, Andhra Association, Delhi; Chairman, Committee on Human Resource Development; was Joint Director, Public Relations, Railway Board and Public Relations Officer, South Eastern Railway; was editor, "Indian Railways", 1974--82; General Secretary, (i) Greater Calcutta Andhra Samiti, (ii) North Regional Committee of the World Telugu Conference held in 1975 and (iii) Telugu Desam Party, 1983--85; was in the Indian Railways Service for 25 years; was Special Assistant to the Railway Minister during 1977--79; was Member, Managing Committee of the Andhra Education Society, Delhi; Member, (i) Committee on Rules, Rajya Sabha, 1984--88, (ii) General Purposes Committee, Rajya Sabha 1984--89 and again since June, 1994, (iii) Business Advisory Committee, Rajya Sabha, 1986--90, (iv) Railway Convention Committee since 1985, (v) Committee on Subordinate Legislation since 1992, (vi) Central Silk Board and (vii) Governing Body of Indian Council for Cultural Relations; Leader, Telugu Desam Party in Parliament, 1984--91; Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Information & Broadcasting from 5th December, 1989 to 7th November, 1990; elected to the Rajya Sabha in April, 1984 and re-elected in April, 1990.

Travels abroad: Extensively travelled throughout the World.

Publications: Articles in various newpapers and journals and Chapter entitled "The Ramlal Episode" in "Governor" published by Rolli Books and "Gatham-Swagatham" in Telugu.

Special interest: External affairs, education, culture, information and planning.

Favourite pastime and recreation: Gardening, book reading, visiting places of historical interest and organising and attending cultural performances.

Permanent address: Plot No. 319, Road No. 25, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad--500034 (A.P.)