A freedom fighter, a social worker, an advocate, a feminist, a leader and above all Durgabai Deshmukh was a visionary who gave a new identity to women by empowering them in all aspects, Professor and Chairperson of Dr B R Ambedkar College of Law, Andhra University V. Rajyalakshmi has said.

Addressing a group of Gandhians and senior citizens at Ba-Bapu Seva Sangham as part of the 105 birth anniversary celebrations of Durgabai Deshmukh here on Tuesday, Prof. Rajyalakshmi said: “Education, employment and health are the three sectors that Durgabai Deshmukh focused on. Her immense positive energy and approach towards life made her stand out and make use of wisdom into constructive course of action.”

Head of the Department of Telugu, Mrs. A.V.N. College A. Sita Ratnam said that Durgabai Deshmukh was instrumental in introducing the concepts like ladies hostel, mahila sabha, rehabilitation centre for the visually challenged, family court and vocational training courses. “Her consistent endeavour to improve the standard of living of the weaker sections, especially women continues to inspire the present generation,” she added.

In the end, president of Praja Spandana president C.S. Rao and secretary of the sangham Ch.V.S. Bhaskaram along with others felicitated athletic champion Muthyam Lakshmi, popularly known as walking queen, for her achievements in number of national and international competitions.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Staff Reporter / Visakhapatnam – July 15th, 2014