VIJAYAWADA: Former Vijayawada MP Chennupati Vidya died aged 84 early on Saturday. 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. She lost the next election in 1984 and again in 1989, she won the election.Vidya was the recipient of the prestigious Jamanlal Bajaj Award in 2014 for her meritorious services in the development and welfare of women and children. She was the founder of the Ardhika Samatha Mandali and president of Vasavya Mahila Mandali, through which she worked for the upliftment and development of women and children all through her public life.Being the daughter of Gora, Vidya had the opportunity to live in Mahatma Gandhi’s Seva Gram ashram during her early days and was inspired by the Gandhian thought. She was also associated with Sarvodaya leaders and had actively participated in the Bhoodan Movement of Acharya Vinobha Bhave.Vidya became active in politics at the age of 25 and became the co-opted member of the Gollapudi village panchayat in 1962 and went on to become the co-opted member of the Krishna Zilla Parishad in 1967.Vidya worked with various government and non-governmental orgnaisations in the state helping women empowerment and promoting thrift activities. 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. 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. Her initiative with the city police in helping the women in distress had made the city women-friendly, particularly after bifurcation of the state.

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