Dr Murthi, a multifaceted personality with social responsibility

Visakhapatnam: Dr Mathukumilli Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Murthi, popularly known as MVVS Murthi was born in an affluent agricultural family in picturesque Konaseema area of Moolapolam village, Ainavilli mandal, East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh on July 3, 1938. 

After formal schooling at his native place, he moved on to Kakinada for higher studies and graduated in Economics from P R Government College. He obtained Master’s Degree in Politics & Public Administration, BL and also Ph.D in Economics from Andhra University.

Dr Murthi is a multifaceted personality imbibing the qualities of an industrialist, educationist, politician and philanthropist with social responsibility. After a brief stint as advocate in the High Court of AP, Hyderabad, he moved on to business and established Visakha Bottling Company (VBC) in 1967 with a modest investment.

Because of his hard work and meticulous planning, the VBC was a phenomenal success in the manufacturing of soft drinks and he earned the name of Gold Spot Murthi. He continued to contribute his might for rapid industrialization of Andhra Pradesh. In recognition to his services, Andhra Pradesh chapter of Commerce & Industry has elected him as its President in 1980.

His deep concern for women’s education and empowerment has made him to start Women’s Govt Junior College at Amalapuram. He also established Dr B R Ambedkar Junior College at Vadlapudi, Rehabilitation Colony in Visakhapatnam, and Sri Seetarama Degree College in Poosapatirega, Vizianagaram district and MPM Trust Junior College for weaker sections at Moolapolam village, Ainavilli mandal, East Godavari district. 

He started Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) in 1980. Recognising its phenomenal growth and quality in higher education, Ministry of Human Resources & Development, Government of India has granted Deemed University status in 2007.  

GITAM University with its main campus at Visakhapatnam and  campuses in Hyderabad & Bengaluru is a leader in imparting higher education in diverse fields. His relentless efforts to give ethical and value-based medical education has finally taken a shape in 2015 with recognition of GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences & Research by the Medial Council of India.

On the political front, he is a  founder member of TDP founded by late N T  Rama Rao. Dr Murthi was appointed as Chairman, VUDA (Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority). VUDA Park was expanded and Kailash Hill Park was initiated during his tenure.

The idea of satellite townships was conceived and successfully implemented at Sagarnagar, Madhurawada, Simhapuri to decongest the overcrowded city.

Recognising his contribution to society and the party, he was elected twice in 1991 and in 1999 as a member of 10th and 13th Lok Sabha from Visakhapatnam.  He received best Parliamentarian award during his tenure and was felicitated by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

Presently he is a member of AP Legislative Council, elected unanimously from Visakhapatnam district. He established various charitable trusts and foundations-- Pragati Charitable Trust, Kuchipudi Kalakshetra, M P M Trust, VBC Educational Society, GITAM Trust and GITAM Foundation.