Visionary
Maharaja Alak Narayana Society of Arts and Science
Since 12th November, 1958.
Dr. P.V.G. Raju, Last Maharaja of Vizianagaram, in his coronation ceremony on 1st July 1945.
The Founder
In 1958, Dr. P.V.G. Raju, guided by the noble advice of Swami Jnananda, in fond memory of his father, unified all the Maharaja institutions and established the Maharaja Alak Narayan Society of Arts and Science (MANSAS). This society was formed with the objective of promoting education, research and cultural development in the arts and sciences. The core mission of MANSAS is to foster excellence and provide a platform for academic growth across various disciplines and empower people through the light of education.
In public life
Dr. P.V.G. Raju, continued the legacy of the Maharajas of Vizianagaram family, was deeply involved in public life as a representative of the people. After India gained independence, he relinquished his throne and, in response to changing times, transitioned into the public domain to continue serving the people. In electoral light, he stood as an undefeated leader for nine times. He served four terms as a Member of Parliament and five terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Madras and Andhra Pradesh states. Additionally, he held important positions, including the Ministry of health and Education for the state of Andhra Pradesh, where he played a key role in shaping the state’s educational policies and took pioneering initiatives.
Hereditary Trustee
The Maharajas of Vizianagaram have played a pivotal role in advancing education and safeguarding the region’s rich cultural heritage. They serve as hereditary trustees of 108 temples located across the districts of Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, and East Godavari. Upholding this longstanding tradition, Dr. P.V.G. Raju undertook this esteemed responsibility, dedicating himself to the preservation and maintenance of these historic temples. Among them, the Simhachalam Varaha Narasimha Temple stands as a distinguished and venerated holy temple, revered for its profound historical and religious significance.
S. No. | Party | MP | Period | Constituency | Portfolio | Period | ||
From | To | From | To | |||||
1. | Praja Socialist Party | MP | 1957 | 1960 | Visakhapatnam | – | – | – |
2. | Congress | MP | 1971 | 1977 | Visakhapatnam | – | – | – |
3. | Congress | MP | 1977 | 1984 | Bobbili | – | – | – |
4. | Congress | MP | 1984 | 1989 | Bobbili | – | – | – |
S. No. | Party | MLA | Period | Constituency | Portfolio | Period | ||
From | To | From | To | |||||
1. | Socialist Party | MLA | 1952 | 1956 | Madras & AP | – | – | – |
2. | Praja Socialist Party | MLA | 1956 | 1957 | Madras & AP | – | – | – |
3. | Congress | MLA | 1960 | 1962 | Vizianagaram | Health Minister | 1960 | 1962 |
4. | Congress | MLA | 1962 | 1964 | Vizianagaram | Education Minister | 1962 | 1964 |
5. | Congress | MLA | 1964 | 1967 | Vizianagaram | – | – | – |