Wellknown social worker Sarojini Varadappan (aged 94 years) passed away on October 17.
Born on September 26, 1919, she was the Sheriff of Madras in 1983, and was awarded the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan in 1973 and 2009 respectively. All this as recognition for the unceasing social and community work that she was involved in from her early years, first as a field worker and then as a leader.
Not permitted to pursue her education after SSLC as a young child, Sarojini received her post graduate degree in political science at the age of 60. At age 80, she completed her Ph. D. in Vaishnavism.
Sarojini was the trustee of Bhaktavatsalam Educational Trust in Chengalpet, president of the C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, president of the Women’s India Association, and has been closely associated with the Indian Red Cross Society of Tamilnadu and many other associations and educational institutions.
The daughter of the late Chief Minister of Tamilnadu M. Bakthavatsalam, and aunt of Union Minister of state for environment and Forests Jayanthi Natarajan, Sarojini Varadappan was active in the social service arena of the country, since the days before India’s independence.
She played an important role in establishing non-profit cafeterias and was also the chairperson of the State Social Welfare Fund.
She was also involved in many Mylapore-based bodies like The Mylapore Academy and till recently, took part in all community events.
The funeral was held on Thursday.
