Veerappa Naidu Sakhamuri

Veerappa Naidu SakamuriObituary|date=December 2007

Sakamuri Veerappa Naidu a remarkable humanitarian better known as Naidu (May 1945 – 24 April 2007), was a kisan (farmer). Naidu was born in Burripalem village to Siva Koteshwara Rao & Saraswathi Devi, in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh.

He went to school in his native village, and discontinued his studies in his 7th grade to support his family. He is known for his self-discipline, integrity and positive attitude. A person with strong belief in Bhagavad Gita. He was expounder of Karma sidatham and in true sense followed the philosophy of doing one's duties in life as per his/her dharma, or duty, without concern of results - a sort of constant sacrifice of action to the Supreme. An action done without thought of gain.

Cricket was his favorite sport. He used to listen to the commentary in radio while he was at farm and watch most of the cricket matches in leisure. He was the motivational force for creating interest towards this sport in younger generation with in his area of influence.

Naidu started cultivation at a very young age. He operated four acres of his family land. Those were the days where the incomes were small, debts were high, and yields often failed to suffice even for the household.

In 1965 with the suggestion of one of their well wisher the family migrated to Rajoli, Mahaboob Nagar District of Andhra Pradesh and procured farms. As a young farmer Naidu developed his family’s farm with extra hired workers and innovative irrigation that produced higher yield.

Naidu always believed in dynamism and change. His attention drew towards hybrid production fervor then brought by Mahyco. He was an early bird to join as self-managing contract grower of hybrid cotton seed, which outlined the development of commercial private seed production in the entire Rajoli region, which still is an attractive territory to most of the seed production companies. He always emphasized on quality and stood by his principle of producing quality seed by adopting stringent quality controls at the farm and certification level.

Increased operational cost in agriculture, drought for a brief period and deterioration in health forced him to stop cultivation and returned back to his native place. He restricted himself to cultivate his ancestral farm and focused his energies in bringing up his children.

In early 2002 he was detected with a Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and was on treatment. He faced it with extreme confidence. Doctors and support staff always used to appreciate his attitude towards life and the confidence that he radiates. He stood with his will to fight against this disease for 5 long years and left his sole on 24th April, 2007.

His last contribution to the society was donation of eyes to LV Prasad Eye Institute’s Research and Development, which could possibly aid in fighting against this deadly disease.