Well known womens’ rights activist and former Lok Sabha MP Chennupati Vidya died this morning after suffering a massive heart attack in Vijayawada. She is survived by three daughters and a son.
The two-time Vijayawada elected MP (1980 and 1989), worked relentlessly to set up Vasavya Mahila Mandali, an organisation for upliftment, after she retired from politics.
Vidya born to well-known rationalist Goparaju Ramachandra Rao (Gora) and social activist Saraswati Gora in 1935. She has a brother, Samaram Gora, who is a well known Doctor.
The former MP graduated from Andhra University.
In 1980 Vidya defeated former Union Minister Dr KL Rao by over 1 lakh votes.
For her work in womens’ empowerment she received the Jamnalal Bajaj Award in 2014.
Vijayawada MP Kesineni Nani and local MLAs have offered their condolences on her demise.
Vidyas' death has shocked several of the orphan children whom she sheltered.
““My mother led the movement and we all used to follow, I’m not able to believe that she is not here anymore. She’s left a lot of responsibility on us,” her daughter said speaking to the media on Saturday.
MP Kesineni Nani said that her services to women and underprivileged persons in the state and particularly in Vijayawada were unforgettable.
Vasavya Mahila Mandali based out in Vijayawada working for women empowerment and violence against women. Through her counselling she reformed hundreds of youth who were caught eve-teasing women in public spaces.
Former Vijayawada City Commissioner of Police, present AP Vigilance and Enforcement Director D Gowtham Sawang has offered his condolences, “She inspired many with her five decades of fight for womens progress through a Gandhian path."
Vadde Shobanadreeshwara Rao, Former Minister, too offered his condolences on her demise.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has also extended his consolation to the bereaved family while hailing her services for the women empowerment.
Several politicians and women rights leaders have flown to her residence to pay tributes.
According to reports her last rites would be held on Sunday.