Sun Aug 03 17:21:13 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:
**Summary:**
The article highlights the upcoming centenary birth anniversary of Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao (1926-1997), a former Minister revered as “Diviseema Gandhi” for his honesty, simplicity, and dedication to Gandhian principles. He was inspired by Gandhi from a young age and dedicated his life to social reform and rural upliftment. He is remembered for his pivotal role in the 1975 World Telugu Conference and the establishment of the International Telugu Centre. Most notably, he resigned from his ministerial position to lead relief efforts after the devastating 1977 Diviseema cyclone, earning him widespread admiration and the title “Diviseema Gandhi.” A portrait of him was unveiled ahead of the celebrations and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will be the chief guest at the celebrations in Vijayawada.
**News Article:**
**”Diviseema Gandhi” Remembered on Centenary, CM Naidu to Attend Celebrations**
**Vijayawada, August 3, 2025** – Tributes are pouring in for Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao (1926-1997), the former Minister affectionately known as “Diviseema Gandhi,” ahead of his centenary birth anniversary on August 4th. Rao, remembered for his honesty, simple lifestyle, and unwavering adherence to Gandhian values, transformed politics into a vehicle for service and compassion.
The Department of Culture and Language Director, R. Mallikarjuna Rao, paid homage to Rao by unveiling a portrait of the late leader. Rao emphasized the formative influence of Rao’s father, who instilled in him a deep sense of moral values and a commitment to social reform.
Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao’s journey began with aspirations to be a teacher, but the call of the freedom movement drew him into public life. He played a crucial role in organizing the first World Telugu Conference in 1975 and helped establish the International Telugu Centre in Hyderabad, connecting Telugu speakers globally.
However, it was his response to the devastating 1977 Diviseema cyclone that cemented his legacy. He resigned from his Cabinet position to lead relief efforts, wading through flood-ravaged villages to aid survivors, earning him the enduring title “Diviseema Gandhi.”
Centenary celebrations will be held tomorrow at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to attend as the chief guest, further emphasizing the enduring impact of Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao on the region and its people.
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