Manikonda Chalapathi Rau

Manikonda Chalapathi Rau (1908 or 1910 – 25 March 1983) was an Indian journalist and author who served as the Editor-in-chief of the English daily National Herald from 1946 to 1978. He is regarded as one of the greatest editors in the history of Indian journalism. He worked as an assistant editor of Hindustan Times early in his career and his weekly column under the pseudonym 'Magnus' was one of the most widely read in the country. He was a member of the Initiating Committee of the International Press Institute in 1950.

Early life Manikonda Chalapathi Rau was born in a Telugu-speaking Kapu family in Visakhapatnam district of present-day Andhra Pradesh. His birth year is variously given as either 1908 or 1910. His father was a police officer. Chalapathi Rau had his early education in Visakhapatnam district. He completed his M. A. degree in English Language and Literature from Presidency College, Madras in 1929. Later, he earned a law degree from Madras Law College.

People think it is my paper. It really is Chalapathi Rau’s paper; he has made it what it is. He is the ablest journalist in India today. — Jawaharlal Nehru at the Silver Jubilee function of National Herald.

After the revival of National Herald in November 1945, He continued as an editor at National Herald for 32 years from 1946 till 1978. From 1968 onwards, he worked from Delhi, where the paper had started its new edition. He left the newspaper in 1978. After retiring from National Herald, he authored many books. He also fought for the setting up of the first Press Commission on whose report the Wage Board was appointed which fixed the salaries and service conditions of journalists of all categories.

Legacy

Chalapathi Rau is regarded as one of the greatest editors in the history of Indian journalism.

Dasu Krishnamoorty wrote of him, "His reclusion, his integrity and learning and contempt for revenue-centred journalism explained why editors of his time had high regard for him." YV Ramakotaiah noted about him, "Manikonda Chalapathi Rau known for his fearless, unbiased and forceful writing remains the greatest Editor that English journalism in India has seen".

S. R. Nath called him 'India's greatest living editor' in 1966 and remarked as follows, "His articles on the Second World War created a sensation in those days; even to-day they serve as a textbook to aspirants in journalism. Being steeped in classics, Rau manifests a literary style which is individualistic; he converts journalism into literature."