Renowned social reformer Mythri is no more

Vijayawada: Mythri, chairperson of Atheist Centre, humanist, Gandhian social reformer, educationist, and a tireless crusader for women empowerment, is no more. She passed away here on Saturday.

She was 85.
Born on December 1, 1932 at Vizianagaram, she was the third child and second daughter of Gora and Saraswathi Gora. Being active in the freedom movement, the Gora couple named her daughter as Mythri (friendship), to mark the significant agreement between Gandhi and the British government, to call off the Salt Satyagraha.

After the Quit India movement, Mahatma Gandhi desired to see Gora to know his atheist work, and invited Gora to his Sevagram Ashram. Along with Gora, Mythri and Lavanam went to Sevagram. She had the opportunity to stay at Sevagram for a few days with Mahatma Gandhi.

In 1961, Vasavya Vidyalaya, a secular school with comprehensive education was started at Atheist Centre. For sixteen years, Mythri ran the school along with Lavanam’s wife Hemalata.

Under the guidance of Mythri, a printing press was established for the publication of atheist journals.

Mythri was the Editor of Nasthik Margam, (Atheist way), a Telugu monthly. In addition to Telugu journal, Atheist, English journal, and newly-started Insaan, a Hindi Journal.

In 1986, Mythri received the International Humanist Award from the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) on behalf of the Atheist Centre at Oslo, Norway Atheist Centre.

She also received, Potti Sriramulu Telugu University Award and Kasinadhini Nageswara Rao Award for her secular social work.

True to her atheistic ideals, her eyes were donated to Swetcha Gora Eye Bank. A procession will be taken out on Sunday from Atheist Centre to donate her body to Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Medical
College.