Literary Stalwart Varalakshmamma Remembered

VIJAYAWADA: Literary figure and freedom fighter Kanuparthi Varalakshmamma was remembered on Thursday on her 48th death anniversary for her contributions to literature, women’s empowerment and the freedom movement.

The programme, organised by the Forum for Better Bapatla, included garlanding of her statue and tributes. Forum secretary Dr P.C. Sai Babu, government women’s degree college principal Dr D. Nagmani, government junior college principal G. Anil Kumar, lecturers and students participated.

A disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, Varalakshmamma wore only khadi saris throughout her life. She began her literary career in 1920 with Maa Chettuneeda Muchatlu, a series of articles published in a vernacular weekly. Her writings covered women’s education, traditions, politics and contemporary issues.

In 1928, she began another column in a magazine, writing letters to an imaginary friend, Kalpalata. The articles dealt with divorce law, the non-cooperation movement, abolition of untouchability, irrational customs, physical exercise, changes in weights and measures, and microphones.

Varalakshmamma founded Stree Hitaishini Mandali in Bapatla to promote women’s education and vocational skills and improve their social status.

She wrote poetry, stories, novels and plays, and her works were broadcast on All India Radio and Doordarshan. She also participated in literary gatherings with leading poets of her time. Her first novel, Vasumati, was published in 1925 and Viswamitra in 1933.