Noted social worker and Gandhian, Pasala Krishna Bharati, passed away at the age of 92 at her residence on Sunday. She had been suffering from age-related ailments. Krishna Bharati was well known for her efforts in promoting education among underprivileged communities, especially Dalits. She also made generous donations to educational institutions and cow shelters (gaushalas).
Krishna Bharati was born to Pasala Krishna Murthy and Anja Lakshmi, both of whom were freedom fighters. They were closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, particularly during his visits to coastal Andhra. Her father, Pasala Krishna Murthy, was born in 1900 in West Vipparru village in the Tadepalligudem taluka of West Godavari district. He joined the Indian National Congress in 1921 along with his wife. A strong follower of Gandhi, he actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha movement, for which he was imprisoned for one year. He passed away in 1978.
Krishna Bharati was born in prison while her parents were jailed for their involvement in the freedom movement. She belonged to West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh. Choosing to remain unmarried, she dedicated her life to social service, working to uplift underprivileged sections of society. In July 2022, during the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju in Bhimavaram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed his respect by touching the feet of the then 90-year-old Krishna Bharati, who was in a wheelchair, and seeking her blessings.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences on her passing. In a post on X, he paid tribute to Krishna Bharati and remembered her significant contributions to education for the underprivileged.
