Social activist Veeraiah passes away

Vijayawada, Apr 18 (UNI) Social activist and 'Arthik Samata Mandal 'founder-secretary Veeraiah died following a cardiac arrest here today.

He was 70. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

Born in Vangalapudi near Rajahmundry in East Godavari district, Veeraiah, championed the cause of the poor, the downtrodden and tribals in Nalgonda district and was a follower of Gandhian ideals.

He also organised women Self Help Groups in villages.

He spent 15 years in north India and was involved in rural development activities. Veeraiah organised weavers and other artisans to form cooperative societies and helped them to improve their standard of living.

He was actively associated with a number of voluntary organisations all over the country, including Gandhi Peace Centre, 'Gandhi Smarak Nidhi' and 'Gandhi Peace Foundation' in New Delhi.

A post-graduate from the Indore University, Veeraiah moved to New Delhi in 1968 and took over as National Secretary of 'Gandhi Smarak Nidhi.' UNI CS SJ GT PM1735