HAM RADIO MEMORIES – 1998
When Unity, Commitment and Friendship Kept the Ham Spirit Alive in Guntur
Some memories never fade. Some friendships never weaken. And some moments remain forever etched in the history of amateur radio.
Way back in 1998, Guntur witnessed a memorable gathering of the amateur radio fraternity, when ham radio operators from different places came together to support a Ham Meet organised by Dr. Prudhvi Raju Kakani at Hotel Vijaya Krishna International, Guntur.
Looking back after nearly three decades, my heart is filled with gratitude and pride. The photographs from those days are not merely old pictures; they are precious reminders of a time when the ham spirit was alive in its purest form.
Among the respected amateurs who joined us were:
- Late Sri Ram Mohan Rao – VU2RM
- Sri P. Mohan Rao Naidu – VU2PMR
- Sri Arza Ramesh – VU2RDM
- Sri Emanuel – VU2XOY
Many other fellow radio amateurs also travelled to Guntur to participate in and support the meet. Their presence transformed the gathering into a celebration of friendship, fellowship and the true spirit of amateur radio.
No money. No influence. Just courage and commitment!
Organising a Ham Meet in those days was not easy. We did not have the financial resources, powerful connections or modern communication facilities that are available today. There were no social media platforms to publicise our activities instantly, nor were there the conveniences we often take for granted now.
What we had was courage, commitment, dedication and an unshakeable belief in the ham radio fraternity.
With determination and the support of fellow amateurs, we brought people together under one roof. Every helping hand, every encouraging word and every journey undertaken by our friends made a difference.
Those were the days when relationships mattered more than resources, service mattered more than recognition, and friendship mattered more than personal interests.
The true spirit of amateur radio
The ham fraternity of those days was not confined to exchanging signals over the airwaves. We came together for field activities, technical learning, demonstrations and mutual support. We encouraged newcomers, shared our knowledge and worked to keep amateur radio active and vibrant.
Our friendships extended beyond radio frequencies. We stood together, helped one another and strengthened the community through personal commitment and collective effort.
The 1998 Ham Meet in Guntur remains a beautiful example of what can be achieved when people unite for a common passion.
A heartfelt tribute to our friends
Today, as I look back at those photographs, I remember every fellow amateur who travelled to Guntur and extended a helping hand.
I remember with deep respect Late Sri Ram Mohan Rao, VU2RM, whose memory remains part of our shared ham radio heritage. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sri P. Mohan Rao Naidu, VU2PMR; Sri Arza Ramesh, VU2RDM; Sri Emanuel, VU2XOY; and all the other friends who supported the meet.
Your encouragement gave me the strength to organise the event. Your participation made it meaningful. Your friendship made it memorable.
To everyone who stood with me in 1998 — thank you from the bottom of my heart.
From 1998 to AP HAM FEST 2026
As we prepare for AP HAM FEST 2026 on 15 November 2026 at Hindu College of Pharmacy, Guntur, these memories remind us of the values that must continue to guide our fraternity.
Technology may change. Equipment may become more sophisticated. Communication methods may evolve. But the foundation of amateur radio remains unchanged: friendship, service, learning, experimentation and unity.
My hope is that today’s young radio enthusiasts will carry forward the same spirit that brought us together in 1998.
Let us build bridges between generations, encourage young minds to explore radio science, and preserve the fellowship that has sustained amateur radio for decades.
The equipment may grow old, the photographs may fade, and years may pass — but the friendships forged through amateur radio remain forever.
With sincere gratitude and warm 73s to all fellow amateurs.
Dr. Prudhvi Raju Kakani – VU2IKY
Organiser, Guntur Ham Meet, 1998
Convener, AP HAM FEST 2026
Remembering 1998. Celebrating friendship. Carrying the ham spirit forward.
73 de VU2IKY!
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