**PaperDabba News Desk: October 3, 2024**
Kalyan’s journey into spirituality and responsibility started at a young age, something his mother, Mrs. Anjana Devi, proudly shared in a heartfelt interview. From childhood, Kalyan had a profound devotion to the divine. His mother recalls how he took up the Ayyappa Deeksha and continues his spiritual practices. Mrs. Anjana Devi shared these moments in an interview with JanaSena Digital Media, offering insight into the life and thoughts of Pawan Kalyan, leader of the JanaSena Party and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Kalyan’s Annaprasana: A Significant Moment
In Kalyan’s early days, his mother recalls a memorable incident during his Annaprasana at the Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple in Tirumala. At the time, Kalyan was only six months old. Mrs. Anjana Devi felt an intense desire to perform his Annaprasana there. His father, Sri Venkata Rao, was a police officer, and they always carried a small knife for protection. They placed the knife, pen, books, and divine offerings in front of Kalyan for the ritual. To their surprise, Kalyan first picked up the knife. His mother joked, “We thought he would grow up to be someone who would fight for others, as he chose the sword first.” Later, he picked up the pen, symbolizing that he would fight with strength, knowledge, and wisdom.
The Meaning Behind Choosing the Sword
Mrs. Anjana Devi recollects that when Kalyan chose the sword during his Annaprasana, they assumed it symbolized a rebellious and protective spirit. “I had a feeling then that he would stand for something significant,” she added. Kalyan’s protective nature and ability to stand up for others were apparent even as a child. According to his mother, his inclination towards taking responsibility and fighting for justice has stayed with him ever since.
A Humble Beginning
Growing up, Pawan Kalyan was not a demanding child. Mrs. Anjana Devi says, “He never asked for anything. He was quiet, even refusing to join us for meals until called multiple times.” She fondly recalls his love for food, especially pulav. “He loved whatever was prepared, never asking for anything specific.”
Spiritual Influence and Dedication
From a young age, Kalyan was drawn to spirituality, but not in a conventional way. He wasn’t one to offer prayers or engage in lengthy rituals. “His father would do the rituals, and Kalyan would just take the prasadam,” his mother laughs. But as he grew older, his interest in spirituality deepened. His spiritual commitments, like the 11-day Deeksha in connection with the Lord Venkateswara Laddu incident, show his dedication to leading by example. Mrs. Anjana Devi believes this spiritual journey has only strengthened him, saying, “Taking deeksha is a good thing, and it’s a blessing to be able to do so.”
Books and Learning: An Intellectual Journey
Kalyan’s thirst for knowledge also grew as he got older. Mrs. Anjana Devi mentions that it wasn’t until the 10th grade that he started reading extensively. His brother’s friend owned a library, and Kalyan often visited to read books. This habit carried into his adulthood, with their home now filled with books. “He reads massive books, and his thoughts have evolved because of them,” she says, comparing his love for reading to his father’s, who was also a voracious reader.
A Strong Connection with Family
Despite being a man of the people, Kalyan has always remained deeply connected to his family. He shares a particularly close bond with his elder brother, Chiranjeevi, who, according to Mrs. Anjana Devi, looked after him during their childhood. “Chiranjeevi would carry Kalyan around, taking pictures with him. Their bond was strong, and even now, he spends a lot of time with his brother and sister-in-law.”
A Life of Choices and Responsibilities
Reflecting on her son’s choice to enter politics and serve the people, Mrs. Anjana Devi initially questioned his decision. “I asked him why we needed to get involved in politics when we could just focus on films. But he was determined to do both.” She adds, “As a mother, I never argued with him. He has always followed his heart.”
Looking to the Future
As Pawan Kalyan continues his journey in both politics and cinema, his mother expresses immense pride in his accomplishments and the responsibilities he has undertaken. “I never thought about what he would become,” she says. “I just knew that whatever he did, it would be for the greater good.”
