Atheist Centre

Chennupati Seshagiri Rao, well known atheist social worker, second son-in-law of atheist leader Gora, an ardent champion of social change and a prominent figure in the motor transport field, died of heart attack on Saturday morning. He was 88. He is survived by his wife, Mrs Ch. Vidya, Member of Parliament from Vijayawada, and son, Mr. Vazeer, and daughters, Mrs. Rashmi Samaram, Mrs. Keerthi and Dr. Deeksha. As per his wish, his eyes were donated to Swetcha Gora Eye Bank, as an ardent champion of eye donation.

Chennupati Seshagiri Rao was a staunch nationalist and participated in the freedom movement. He was one of the prominent persons who invited Gora for establishing the Atheist Centre in Vijayawada and he donated his land to Atheist Centre and joined in the struggle against untouchability and caste system He was a pillar of strength to the atheist movement. He married Gora’s daughter Vidya. She became Member of Parliament twice from Vijayawada constituency in the Lok Sabha. He promoted intercaste and casteless marriages, and strengthened the secular and humanist foundations of the nation.

Chennupati Seshagiri Rao had a multifaceted personality. He was a wrestler and acted as an umpire. He participated in the first Asian games held in New Delhi and secured third place in weight lifting. He championed nature cure and started Mahatma Gandhi Health Centre to wean the younger generation from vices. He was active in politics and was the Vice President of the City Congress and also was the member of the AP State Congress.

Seshagiri Rao was very prominent in the motor transport field and played a major role in the construction of Lorry Owners Hall at Vijayawada. He also worked for the welfare of the transport workers and hamalies. He established Motor Transport Hamali Association. He played a major role in establishing Motor Transport Mutually Aided Cooperative Society and also established petrol bunks on behalf of the association, which became a model for many others. Recognizing his yeoman service, he was awarded ‘Motor Ratna’ in Motor Transport Congress held in New Delhi in the year 2000.

Seshagiri Rao played active role in the atheist movement and in the organization of World Atheist Conferences. He donated his land to Vasavya Mahila Mandali and helped in establishing the Priyadarshini Working Women’s Hostel as well as shelter home for women in distress. He made it clear that to help fellow humans, belief in god and religion are not necessary. By his sterling character, he won the admiration of many people.

Seshagiri Rao’s last journey will start from his home in Patamata Lanka at 3 p.m., on Sunday, July 20. The procession will be passing through Mahatma Gandhi Road and the National Highway to Vasavya Mahila Mandali and Atheist Centre and finally to the electric crematorium. People from various walks of life are paying their respects to him.

Atheist Centre condoled his death and recalled his yeoman services to the cause of atheism and social change.