Centenary celebrations & book release function of Dr.

Sarada Raju
12 -12- 2012 Vestin park , Chennai

A brief life history of Dr.Sarada Raju

Prof A.Sarada Raju was born in then Madras Presidency to Mr. Avula Govindarajulu Naidu and Mrs.Seenamma on 12th December 1912. A.Govindarajulu Naidu was a popular contractor during the British period.

He built the two tall, huge cooling towers

near Basin Bridge which were considered as an engineering feat in those days.

Dr.Sarada Raju studied in Presidency Training School for Girls at Egmore. The name was later changed to Presidency High School for Girls.

She attended Queen Mary's College for her Intermediate and then joined the Presidency College for her B.A. Hons.
She was a recipient of Gold Medal in Madras Presidency in Economics.

Dr.Sarada Raju was the first woman to be awarded the Ph.D degree from the Department of Economics, University of Madras in 1938.

Her thesis entitled `Economic conditions in the Madras Presidency 1800-1850 was first published in 1941. This book was one of the most sought after by the students and research scholars in Economics. It has always been widely appreciated for the high scholarly research work by eminent academicians in the field of Economics and History.

Reprint of the book was brought out by her in 1988. This intellectual work is in considerable demand even after so many years. The second reprint is being Publications, Chennai . brought out by S.R.

Her presidential address for The Indian History of Congress in 1976 was highly acclaimed by the distinguished gathering not only for the thought content of her address but for the flair of the English language.

She was married to Mr O.V, Raju on 10th February 1939 in Salem.

The marriage was held in the Rajendra Mills premises. It was a very grand function

Mr.O.V.Raju was the founder and former Chairman and Managing Director of Salem Rajendra Mills Ltd.

The Blow room of his Mill was inaugurated by Sir Visweswarayya which is working till date.

Mr O.V.Raju was an industrialist He served as

President, Bench Magistrate Court Vice president, District Chamber of Commerce Executive trustee of Sri Alagirinatha Swami Devsthanam Sri Sugavaneswara Swami Devasthanam Hon. Assist.Technical Recruiting officer for Salem and South Arcot districts

His oratory in English was acclaimed by his friends and his fluency in other languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and Kannada was admired by many.

He was well versed in yoga.

He was known for mind reading and taking out the scorpion venom from the body of the victims.

For his friends he was a genius.

He was known for his philanthrophy One of his generous contributions to the religious society was consecration of Durga idol in Shiva Vishnu Temple in Springtown, Livermore, California.

Dr (Mrs) Sarada Raju as a devout wife, took care of every need of her beloved husband till her last breath. As a mother she never hesitated to sacrifice her bright career for taking care of her children as well. As a kind hearted women she was highly concerned abut the well being of every one dear to her.

As a friend she maintained a very cordial relationship with her friends - To name a few; * Mrs.Ammanna Raja Former M.P * Dr,Iravathy, Former principal of Queen Marys College *Dr. Adiseshiah, Former Vice-chancellor the University of Madras *Padmashri N.Sundaravadivelu , Former Vice-chancellor of the University of Madras * Dr.K.Rajaratnam, Founder and Former Director of Crenio

As a women she was graceful, modest, dignified, unperturbed and religious. On the whole she was an embodiment of an ideal Indian woman.

Amma & Nanna !! Whether you were born again or your souls are resting in peace . Our heart throbs to see your smiling face and yearns for your loving touch. Our mind tells us that it is impossible. But our heart prays for such a miracle. Your children

Thank you