Gandhian atheist Lavanam passes away

Vijayawada, Aug 14: Noted Gandhian atheist and social reformer Lavanam passed away after brief illness at Ramesh Hospital in Vijayawada today. He was 86. As he was born during Civil Disobedience movement, his parents named his as Lavanam. He married Hemalatha, daughter of renowned Telugu poet Gurram Jashuva. He was suffering with a lung ailment for the past few days. Lavanam was the son of Atheist movement founder Goparaju Ramachandra Rao (Gora). He studied up to seventh class and he was profoundly influenced by his father Gora, Gandhiji and Acharya Vinobha Bhave. He took part in Independence struggle during his childhood and strove to eradicate untouchability and superstitions. He took charge as the president of Vijayawada Atheist Centre in 1973. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and others expressed their condolences over the death of Lavanam.