GITAM founder dies in US car crash

​Visakhapatnam: Founder of GITAM University and MLC MVVS Murthi died in a car crash in the US on Tuesday, according to information reaching here on Wednesday. The mishap occurred when Murthi and his friends were on their way to a wildlife park in Alaska. Three others who were travelling with him also died in the mishap.

Murthi went to the US for a global alumnus meet of the GITAM University to be held on October 6. The other three who died were V Basavapunnaiah, V Siva Prasad and VBR Chowdary. The tragedy occurred when a heavy truck crashed into the van in which they were travelling. Murthi and Basavapunnaiah died on the spot while Siva Prasad and Chowdary succumbed to injuries while on the way to hospital. Murthi, who is presently an MLC, was elected to Lok Sabha from Visakhapatnam twice in the past. He was also chairman of the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority.

Murthi, who is also known as Goldspot Murthi, began his foray into industry sector by setting up his own beverages plant in 1970s in Visakhapatnam. He later set up Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) which is now one of the highly-reputed universities in the country.

He also established campuses of GITAM University in Karnataka and Telangana states. Later, he established GITAM Dental College and GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (GIMSER). He introduced several welfare and health programmes, including ‘Savitri Pregnant Scheme’ and ‘Navajeevan’ free medical aid programmes for the benefit of the poor pregnant women and those who suffered joint pains. He introduced ‘Pattabhi Senior Citizen Scheme’ to provide complete health care for the people of all sections.

Murthi is survived by his two sons Rama Rao and Lakshmana Rao and one daughter. His family is related to former Union minister Kavuri Sambasiva Rao and hero-turned MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna.