The fourth death anniversary of social activist Hemalatha Lavanam was observed at the Atheist Centre on Monday. The speakers, on the occasion, recalled her services to the society and contributions to the criminal reformation of the de-notified tribes. She strove for criminal reformation and fought against the heinous custom of jogini. She liberated joginis from their wretched condition and brought a new consciousness among them, they observed.
‘Literary talents'
Recalling Hemalatha's devotion towards safeguarding the rights of the downtrodden and women, irrespective of caste and religion, the speakers said that Hemalatha inherited the literary talents of her father (poet Gurram Joshua) and used them to champion social reform and women liberation.
She was an outstanding social worker who fought relentlessly against deep-rooted social evils like Jogini system in the Telangana region, a remnant of the Devadasi system in the erstwhile Hyderabad State,” said Endluri Sudhakar, Dean, Telugu University (Rajahmundry pranganam).
Hemaltha's husband Lavanam, Vijayam of Atheist Centre, Dr. Samaram, Dr. Maru and Dr. Sundar and others spoke.
