Socialist activist Ponnammal dies

Shimoga, Oct 19 (UNI) Freedom fighter and noted activist of the socialist movement T S Ponnammal today died at a hospital after brief illness.

She was 87 and remained unmarried.

Ms Ponnammal, a contemporary of original proponents of Socialist movement in India Ram Manohar Lohia and Gopala Gowda. She had also worked closely with former Defene Minister George Fernandes.

The veteran leader was a staunch feminist and always stood in front to fight any atrocities against women in the state. She was also the convenor of Karnataka Women's Commission and took part in the agitation under Tungabhadra Horata Samiti.

Ms Ponnammal also wanted a peaceful settlement to the Bababudangiri Hill shrine controversy where the two communities fought over the control in Chikmagalur district.

She was hospitalised yesterday following complications and died this afternoon. The cremation took place this evening.

UNI XR RS GM1945