Sneha Reddy - A Tribute

C.G.K. Reddy

I have known Pattabhi and Snehalata for thirty years. I cannot think of another couple who were more closely allied in common interests and common ideals. In personality, however, I do not know of another couple who were so different. Pattabhi is serene and undemonstrative, Sneha was ebullient and demonstrably affectionate. Together they provided a haven for creative people, young and old, holding different political views. But it was Sneha who gave the hundreds of people who came to her, companionship and understanding.

Sneha was a lady of rare and varied accomplishments. Painting, Poetry, Theatre - every form of art held her interest and received her participation. She was a dancer of distinction, and she made a name in theatre and films. Those who shared her board, and this was not infrequent among friends, knew how accomplished she was in the culinary art as well.

Sneha was one of the few women I have known, with whom it was possible for a man to be most intimate, without ever a thought of sex. She was all woman, and yet capable of the purest platonic friendship. She was so uninhibited in her relationships that the prude and the gossips were vicious in their judgment of her. But she cared a damn for them and their views. Her capacity for affection was so infinitely genuine and inexhaustive that people of all walks of life, and of all ages flocked to her to drink deeply of her understanding, sympathy and kindness.

She was not an active functionary in any political party, but she was a committed Socialist. She deeply believed in Lohia’s philosophy, and was greatly attached to him. She was almost as deeply human as Dr. Lohia himself was, and would be aroused at the smallest injustice. She was one of the few followers of Dr. Lohia who remained staunch to his ideals. Sneha’s personal loyalty was as steadfast as her political beliefs. Woe to anyone who uttered a single unkind word of any of her friends! She could never see a fault in a friend, and would permit no one to point out one. Such was the friend that Sneha was.

Where can we find one like her, and when, if ever?

(Courtesy: Snehalatha - Published by Lohia Viganana Samithi)