The 18t Gadicherla Award was presented to Katragadda Venkateswarlu, former professor of politics, Andhra University, in Visakhapatnam on Friday. Freedom fighter Gadicherla Harisarvottama Rao was one of the pioneers of library and adult education movements in the combined Madras State besides participating in struggles championing the cause of various sections of society.

Responding to the felicitations, Prof. Venkateswarlu spoke on the prolific contribution of Gadicherla and his close association with several intellectual giants of the time. He expressed his ardent wish to delve deep into the works of the first Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University C.R. Reddy and Gadicherla to throw light on their immense contribution. Gadicherla went through a difficult life right from childhood but remained upright and patriotic. For most part of his life he earned his living through his contributions to The Hindu, Andhra Patrika and Vignana Chandrika Grandha Mandali.

Andhra University in charge Vice-Chancellor George Victor paid glowing tributes to Gadicherla. He recalled the teaching of Prof. Venkateswarlu focussing on social issues and burning problems. MLC K.S. Lakshmana Rao described Prof. Venkateswarlu as one of the four pillars of the Politics Department when he was a student. Foundation president K.C. Kalkura wanted the books on Gadicherla to be prescribed for Intermediate and degree courses. Politics Professor E.A. Narayana and L.I.Sc. Head of the Department C. Sasikala spoke.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Vishakhapatnam / by Staff Reporter / September 15th, 2012