Tribute to Madabhushi Krishna Prasad
The world of Telugu literature and journalism history has lost a dedicated researcher and a profound scholar. Madabhushi Krishna Prasad (72), a retired teacher and prolific author, breathed his last in the early hours of April 8, 2026, in Palakollu. He had been battling a lung infection for the past ten days, compounded by long-term diabetic complications.
A Kinship Beyond Blood
Though we shared the surname ‘Madabhushi,’ we were not related by blood. My father was Madabhushanam Srinivasacharyulu (known as M.S. Acharya), and I adopted the pen name Madabhushi Sridhar for brevity. Our paths crossed in Palakollu through the renowned sculptor Uday Kumar Marlapudi, and what began as a casual introduction blossomed into a deep, soulful friendship (Aatma Bandhutvam).
We spent many hours discussing the installation of the statue of my father, M.S. Acharya, which Marlapudi had sculpted. Krishna Prasad was a man of great faith, kindness, and intellect. His sudden departure feels as though he left in a hurry, as if he had one last urgent task to attend to in the heavens.
From the Classroom to the Newsroom
Krishna Prasad’s life was a testament to the pursuit of knowledge. Armed with a B.A. in Literature and an M.A. in History, he began his career as an S.G.T. teacher in government primary schools. He later rose to the rank of School Assistant, teaching English in high schools. Even after retirement, his passion for teaching led him to serve as a guest faculty member at: Sabitha College, Palakollu, Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari College, Penugonda, and S.K.S.D. Women’s College, Tanuku.
While he was a teacher by profession, his heart always belonged to Journalism. From childhood, he dreamt of being a journalist. Though he never walked into a newsroom as a staffer, he studied the industry with more rigor than most practitioners, becoming an authority on its history and ethics.
A Legacy in Print
Krishna Prasad was a “Bahu Granthakarta” (author of many books). His most significant contribution is “Bharatiya Patrikaranga Charitra” (History of Indian Journalism), a standard reference work published by Navachetana.
National Recognition: He later expanded this work into English as “History of Indian Journalism,” published by a New Delhi-based firm. The book was launched on a prestigious national stage in Patna by the Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council and the State Labor Minister.
Diverse Biographies
He penned biographies of iconic figures, including
- Shankar (the legendary cartoonist of Shankar’s Weekly
- Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya
- Anne Frank and Marie Curie
Ongoing Projects: At the time of his passing, he was serving on the expert committee of the C. Raghavachari Media Academy of Andhra Pradesh. He had undertaken the responsibility of writing a monograph on the legendary editor Khasa Subba Rao and was preparing a book titled “Gandhi as an Editor.”
Tributes from the Fraternity
D. Somasundar, Secretary General of the Indian Journalists Union (IJU), expressed deep shock at the loss. He recalled how Krishna Prasad would call him several times a week to discuss editorial trends and the 11th IJU Plenary held in Vijayawada. “Even while he was unwell last week, he called me twice to discuss references for his monograph on Khasa Subba Rao. I urged him to focus on his health first, but his dedication to his research was unwavering. With his passing, I have lost a dear friend and the Telugu media has lost an invaluable researcher.”
The Man Behind the Pen
Beyond his serious scholarly pursuits, Krishna Prasad was known for his sharp wit and sense of humor. He was a delightful conversationalist who could blend satire with deep insight. He is survived by his wife, Jayanti (an English teacher), and two sons. He also shared a close bond with his cousin, Madabhushi Jyothi Kumari, the retired Principal of D.R. Goenka Women’s College, Tadepalligudem.
His mortal remains were cremated on the afternoon of April 8th. Madabhushi Krishna Prasad’s untimely demise is an irreparable loss to Telugu literature, journalism research, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing his gentle, scholarly soul. Rest in Peace, Madabhushi Krishna Prasad Swamy.
Law professor and eminent columnist
Madabhushi Sridhar Acharyulu, author of 63 books (in Telugu and English), Formerly Central Information Commissioner, Professor of NALSAR University, Bennett University (near Delhi), presently Professor and Advisor, Mahindra University, Hyderabad. Studied in Masoom Ali High School, AVV Junior College, CKM College, and Kakatiya University in Warangal. Madabhushi did LL.M., MCJ., and the highest law degree, LL.D. He won 4 Gold Medals at Kakatiya University and Osmania University.
