VISAKHAPATNAM: Dr Mathukumili Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Murthi who was fondly called ‘Gold Spot Murthi’ until he founded Gitam institution, has left an indelible mark on Vizag. After he founded the university, he began to be called ‘Gitam Murthi’.
His contribution to Vizag’s development was immense. Born in Moolapolam village of East Godavari district, Dr Murthi shifted to Vizag to create history. A law graduate, he practised law at the High Court in Hyderabad before he returned to Vizag.
Being a founder member of TD, Dr Murthi was elected MP from Vizag in 1991 and 1999. During his tenure as chairman of the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority, the many major tourist attractions of the city like Kailasagiri were initiated.He is truly called an industrialist, educationist, politician and philanthropist.
He was born in an affluent agricultural family in Moolapolam, Ainavilli mandal of East Godavari district in the picturesque Konaseema on July 3, 1938. After formal schooling at his native place, he moved to Kakinada for higher studies and graduated in economics from the PR Government College. He obtained a Masters degree in politics and public administration, BL and also PhD in economics from Andhra University.
“Dr Murthi’s sudden demise is a huge loss to Vizag. We know him from childhood and used to call him Gold Spot uncle when he set up his soft drink bottling unit. His contribution to Vizag by way of GITAM will be a true legacy,” said Vizag’s noted businessman, Mr A.V. Monish Row.
After a brief stint as advocate in the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, he moved on to business and established Visakha Bottling Company (VBC) in 1967 with a modest investment. Because of his hard work and meticulous planning, VBC was a phenomenal success in the manufacturing of soft drinks and earned him the name of Gold Spot Murthi. He continued to contribute his might for rapid industrialization of AP.
His deep concern for women’s education and empowerment made him start the Women’s Government Junior College at Amalapuram. His love for education and social uplift sowed the seeds for the establishment of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Junior College at Vadlapudi, Rehabilitation Colony, Visakhapatnam, and Sri Seetarama Degree College in Poosapatirega, Vizianagaram District and MPM Trust Junior College for weaker sections at Moolapolam Village, Ainavilli Mandal, East Godavari District, his birth place, all of which are serving the economically weaker and backward sections of the society for collegiate education.
