Noted journalist Raghavachari passes away

Vijayawada: Noted senior journalist and former editor of Visalandhra, Chakravartula Raghachari, breathed his last after a brief illness in Hyderabad in the early hours of Monday. He was 80.

He is survived by wife Jyotsna, an advocate, and a daughter, a medical doctor. Another daughter died in an accident long back.

Admired as the walking encyclopaedia in journalist circles, Raghavachari had been at the helm of the mouthpiece of CPI, Visalandhra, for over three decades.

Raghavachari is known for his in-depth knowledge in a wide array of subjects and his editorials were widely applauded.

Born in a small village Satapuram of Palakirti mandal in Warangal district in Telangana, he was instrumental in building All Hyderabad Students Federation in the early days as student and later became the student leader of Osmania University.

In the later days, he headed the All India Students Federation in the then united Andhra Pradesh.

Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief over the death of Raghavachari. Raghavachari believed in value-based journalism which reflected in his writings and has been an inspiration to younger generations, observed the Chief Minister in a statement on Monday.

Former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also paid tributes to the departed senior journalist Raghavachari. The mortal remains of the late journalist were brought to Vijayawada from Hyderabad. As per the wish of the family members, his body would be donated to Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Medical College.

Minister for information Perni Venkatramaih (Nani) and several other ministers, Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan, MP Kesineni Nani and others expressed condolences.