Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Former MLC Manikya Rao dead

HYDERABAD: M. J. Manikya Rao, 82, former teacher-MLC and ‘father of the teachers’ struggle’ in the State, died at his residence in Guntur on Sunday night. He has been ailing for sometime. A widower, he is survived by a son.

Rao, who founded the Affiliated College Teachers’ Association, led the college teachers’ movement for over 40 years, resulting in much improved service condition for them. He was a popular mathematics lecturer during his 20-year stint from 1968 in AC College, Guntur, and Jawahar Bharati, Kavali.

During his stint in the Legislative Council from 1974 to 1980 and again from 1980-1985, Mr. Manikya Rao earned a reputation as a persuasive speaker who often made the Government yield to the teachers’ demands.

The AP United Teachers’ Federation while expressing condolences to the bereaved family described Rao as a ‘progressive educationist’ who rendered yeomen services to the field. I. Venkateswara Rao, president, and N. Narayana, general secretary, in a statement said Rao’s speeches during teachers’ struggles were inspiring.

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