Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu Biography 
Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu was a social reformer and educationalist from Machilipatnam Andhra Pradesh who lived during the period 1862–1939. For Telugu speaking people, he stands just behind Veeresalingam as a social reformer. His forefathers served as commanders in Madras Army and East Indian Company Army. As a social reformer, Naidu stood for women empowerment. He promoted women’s education and widow remarriage. He was a promoter of Brahmo samaj in Andhra Pradesh and was bestowed upon the title, "Brahmarshi". He was one among the trio's of BrahmaSamaj in Andhra Pradesh, the other two being Kandukuri Veereshalingam panthulu and Desiraja Peddapapayya. In 1924 he was conferred knighthood by the British government.
Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu was born in a Telaga Naidu family of Machilipatnam in 1862. His family worked in East India Company as Commanders. He completed matriculation from Hyderabad, graduation from Madras Christian College and MA from Madras University. After studies he joined as faculty and also served as Principal of Mehboob College, Secunderabad and a few more colleges. In 1925 he became the first elected vice chancellor of Madras University, the post he held for 3 long years.
Naidu published his thoughts aside V. Ramkrishna Rao in 1924, titled ‘The Message and Ministrations of Dewan Bahadur Sir R. Venkata Ratnam’. He stood for the abolition of Devadasi system, which was quite common in those days. He also fights against untouchability and similar social evils which ruled Indian society in the 19th and early 20th century. He preached Brahmo principles and stood for women’s education and widow remarriage. He was also known as a great teacher during his time and was the founder of Social Purity Association in 1891.
Published: N/A
Updated: October 10, 2014
