Ramoji Rao, Margadarsi and Law

Ramaji Rao is a great man. Before moving further we must understand this greatness. Taking his humble origins as a reference, if we look at the empire that he had built single handed, Ramoji Rao's entrepreneur skills are unparalleled in today's Andhra. He is a good example for anyone who may often get disgusted by the system - to get motivated and believe that how a simple, village person can rise to become King with out mentors. Ramoji Rao is a very good and perhaps clever example for anyone who can think of using the system of politics, caste, power, wealth for their own growth and betterment. Fantastic, as a businessman Ramoji Rao is living legend and hats off to him!

Then Ramoji Rao developed high altitude syndrome in 1980's. Ramoji is the real power behind the political leadership and direction since then. In the due course, Mr Rao started mixing business with politics. If politics is all about power, business is all about money. Mixing highly volatile politics with the shrewd business needs produced a different cocktail.

In good times, using his all powerful media as a tool, Ramoji successfully destroyed his enemies. If you take this in reflection, his media tools brought many Govt officials, politicians, movies stars, businessmen life's and careers or reputation to an end. As his rise went unabated, Mr Rao's down fall also started quickly. Blind followers, poor listening skills and underestimating own limitations are some visible indicators.

Added to that he is an Editor (a sacred cow). And this is his tool. The mixture of business, politics and media is very dangerous. Businessmen used politicians but never played direct politics (like king makers). Politicians used businessmen but rarely they mixed their business interests with politics. Media moguls built business empire but they never went beyond media. Ramoji mixed all these, and yet he wanted to be seen as a sacred cow - untouchable but a God. This is a dream and he must be realistic.

Margadarsi and Eenadu are two different issues. There is an obvious violation of law at Margadarsi. The motivation from the Govt may be different. But, what Govt did today is right under the law.

The fact that not a single depositor made a complaint defies the logic. When stock market crashes 700 points, everyone will run for shelter. When real estate falls everyone runs for security. With such a big storm brewing and facts emerging if, not a single depositor made a complaint then, there is something wrong - yes something wrong indeed! The other open violation of law is - everyone on Internet and papers say Ramoji understated his assets to avoid income tax. This a worrying thing all the more. A clear message that his business deals are not as holy as they appear. Hence, he is not a sacred cow as well!

Trying to cover-up too much under Eenadu will tear that newspaper as well. After all it is paper! Already, some indications in that direction are also seen.

History is not yard stick for tomorrow's success. Ramoji's age is behind him and his empire is one man army (like Ramnath Goenka). I hope some wisdom would prevail to come clean - even at the loss of some reputation!