Interview with Mr. A. Gandhi Journalist Philosopher The inherent urge to transform entire world's intellectual treasure into Telugu language gave birth to 'Peacock Classics' from the people's trust publishing house. 'Peacock Classics' is the brainchild of Mr. A. Gandhi, Veteran journalist since two decades. His greatest contribution towards the Socio-political arena of the Telugu literature includes the translation of 'Das Capital' that received highest appreciation from the intellectual circles.

'Peacock Classics' started functioning from January 26 2003, had bought in 25 'Classics' into Telugu language in the recent times. This is considered to be the great adventure in the literary world.

khojhyderabad.com presents an exclusive interview with this philosopher turned journalist:

In a pathetic situation wherein English proficiency is the only yardstick for judging an individual's intellectual potentialities don't you think it is highly adventurous to take up your gigantic project?

Yes, it is definitely an adventure. I took up this project with qualitative optimism and dedication to eliminate 'Intellectual poverty' which is nothing but a by-product of centuries of colonial rule. Converting universal classics into the simple Telugu language is the goal of our 'Peacock Classics'


Is it true that 'Peacock Classics' are Pioneers in converting Classics into Telugu?

To a certain extent we are the pioneers in this field. Non-fiction, Philosophy, economics and Sciences are our exclusive assets. However, in the remote past (till 70's) there are few attempts in this arena especially in the areas like Children's literature and fiction. We promise that we would carry forward this legacy in a perfect possible manner.

What are classics? How do you define them? Any selection criteria?

To be precise and simple 'Classics' are renowned books of international recognition.
Classics are the best representation of a proposition, philosophical sense.
Arbitrary selection at the initial stages and then suggestions from friends and reader community.

What made you take up this Project?

Since childhood greatly fascinated by 'Chandamama' and similar books.
Roots of this project emanated as back as late 70's when I was in the International Educational Institute, Moscow for a period of two years to study the political philosophy. I had also worked as an interpreter in the university

My interaction with people from almost 60 countries made me realise that colonialism absolutely smashed the local dialect of the developing and underdeveloped nations specially Latin American countries. The Situation of India is not that worse, even tough it caused a considerable damage to our local languages.

So you mean to say that reading Classics in one's own language will enhance their intellectual capacities? Who are you target readers?

Definitely it provides an inclination towards qualitative reading. As I had already mentioned we are making a sincere attempt to provide the 'best of the world' to the reader. In other words "making a pitch available"
How to utilise is left upto the reader.

Could you just brief some of you your products?

We had already published 25 books
Plato's selected writings
Federalist Papers
On Liberty
German Folk Tales
Black Holes and Baby Universes
Jack London's Call of the wild
Gorky's Mother
Oscar Wilde's Children's stories
Jungle Book,
HG Wells 'time machine'
Indian Classics
Panchatantra 2 parts
Bhagavatham

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What attempts are made to make your products within the reach of the targeted readers?

First started by self-effort, but now it is a group effort. Thanks to my close associates who are contributing their best towards this project.
The Package of 25 books is Rs. 1,000/- within India. We also offer reasonable price for a single book.

Since you had taken up gigantic project of selecting 'heterogeneous literature, do you face any problem in the translations of mythologies and other foreign language books?

We are taking the best expert advice in respect of ancient classics. The same criteria are being followed in respect foreign language books.
For instance we had taken 'Pothana Bhagavatham' that is familiar with the common man, and tried to give the best & perfect to the reader.
It is true that we do face the problems with the translators. Since we are determined to carry forward with our mission, we are confident that we can overcome those difficulties.

It is an established fact that your translation of Karl Marx "Das Capital" is the best in the contemporary Telugu socio-economic literature. Can we assume that your emphasis on fairy tales, Panchatantra and other forms indicates that you are slightly moving from 'specific form' to 'general form' in your approach?

I am thankful the readers who judged my translation of "Das Capital".
There is nothing like 'deviation as such'. I had already made it very clear that 'Peacock Classics' aim at 'transforming entire world's intellectual treasure into Telugu language'.
Let me clarify that the selection criteria is only 'Classics' no matter Marxian, Folkare so on and so forth.

What are your future plans/targets?
Now we target is to publish 20-25 books a year.

Your marketing strategy appears to be slightly unstructured. As Telugu readers are not only confined to AP, any plans to market it abroad?
Yes I accept it. We are just in the beginning stage in respect of our marketing. We are negotiating with our friends abroad in this matter.
I am available at 98499-40791, Peacock Classics, G14, Pragathi Enclave, Bhagyanagar Colony, Kukatpally, Hyderabad-500072.

One final question, while Mr. M.K Gandhi is an evolutionary socialist, can we define you as a literary socialist of 2005 since you aim at liberating the minds of the people by enlightening them through 'Classics'?

No superlatives and titles please. I will be the happiest person if I can achieve my goal in reaching the people.

khojhyderabad.com wishes Mr. A Gandhi all the best in his ventures...

-- Jhansi Paladugu