Raghupathi_Venkataratnam_Naidu
Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu
Indian social reformer and educationist (1862–1939)
Dewan Bahadur Sir Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu[1] (1 October 1862 – 26 May 1939)[2] was an Indian social reformer and educationist who hailed from present-day Andhra Pradesh.[3][4] He was described as "the most powerful orator of his day".[5] He worked for the eradication of untouchability and upliftment of Dalits.[6][7] He strived for the reformation of the Devadasi system in Andhra, and succeeded to a considerable extent.[8] He promoted widow remarriages and encouraged women's education.[9]
Venkataratnam Naidu worked as the Principal of the Mehboob College, Secunderabad, and later the PR Government College, Kakinada.[10] In 1925, he became the first elected Vice Chancellor of Madras University and in that capacity was responsible for creating several new departments of research and teaching.[4][1]
Naidu also served on several municipal councils, the District Board of Godavari and the Taluka Board. He became a Member and the Deputy President of the Madras Legislative Council.[1] Government recognised his contribution to public work by awarding the Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal and conferring a knighthood on him in 1924.[11][12] The Andhra and the Madras Universities conferred on him the honorary degrees of D.Litt. and LL.D.[1] The Brahmo Samaj honoured him with the title of "Brahmarshi".[13]