Summary:
VIJAYAWADA: Former Vijayawada MP Chennupati Vidya died aged 84 early on Saturday. Her initiative with the city police in helping the women in distress had made the city women-friendly, particularly after bifurcation of the state. Vidya is survived by a son and two daughters.Daughter of freedom fighter and founder of atheist movement Gora and married to Chennupati Ramakotaiah, Vidya was elected to the Lok Sabha twice from Vijayawada seat.She was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1980 on Congress ticket. Her contribution in fighting against untouchability, jogini system and other social evils too kept her busy in public life.After her mother Saraswati Gora, Vidya remained an inspiring and supporting pillar for the Atheists and social workers of the family and others. She also led campaign against the HIV/AIDS in the state creating awareness among the people.Her work along with her family members in reforming and rehabilitation of the Stuvartpuram dacoits’ families is remembered well and recognised by several agencies..