Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu were among those who paid their last respects to MLC and GITAM deemed to be University founder M.V.V.S. Murthi here on Sunday.
Dr. Murthi’s body arrived here in the morning. It was taken in a decorated open-top van in a procession to his residence in Waltair Uplands and kept there for the leaders to pay their last respects.
Dr. Murthi and three others had died in a car crash in the U.S. on Tuesday last.
‘Great leader’
The Vice-President described Dr. Murthi as a “great leader who had upheld values in both education sector and public life.”
After paying tributes to the departed leader and consoling the bereaved family members, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu told the media that he was shocked on hearing the news of Dr. Murthi’s death in an accident. Dr. Murthi had worked relentlessly for putting GITAM on a high pedestal, the Vice-President said, and recalled his contribution to the establishment of Swarna Bharathi Trust in Vijayawada.
Mr. Chandrababu Naidu said Dr. Murthi had met him before leaving for the U.S. and told him that he was going to participate in the alumni association meeting. “There was no need for him to inform me about his U.S. trip. But that showed his commitment to the party,” the Chief Minister said.
Dr. Murthi had no foes and used to greet everyone with a smile. He was instrumental in the establishment of one of the best party offices in the State in Visakhapatnam, the Chief Minister said.
Dr. Murthi had always strived to do justice to the poor. Living up to his ideals would be the best tribute to him, he said.
Deputy Chief Minister N. Chinarajappa, R&B Minister Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu, MP K. Haribabu, former Rajya Sabha member Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, MLC P.V.N. Madhav, and district Collector Pravin Kumar were present.