Ranjanatai Mamarde, Vidarbha statehood proponent, dies at 68

Nagpur: With the dream of a separate Vidarbha state still unfulfilled in heart, senior activist of Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) Ranjanatai Mamarde breathed her last at around 1.30 pm on Wednesday, following cardiac arrest at her residence ‘Shashi Shankar Vastu', in Jairam Nagar, Rajapeth, Amravati. Popularly known as ‘Vidarbha Veerangana', Mamarde passed away at the age of 68.Mamarde, state president of women's wing of VRAS, was a prominent face of the movement and played crucial role in mobilising women across Vidarbha. Known for her grassroots connect, she brought both rural and urban women into the agitation, encouraging many to take up roles within VRAS.She consistently highlighted issues of regional imbalance, farmers' distress and development concerns, framing the demand for statehood as one rooted in social and economic justice. Condoling her demise, VRAS president Wamanrao Chatap, said, "Despite having a pacemaker implanted in Jan 2024, Ranjanatai remained relentlessly active in Vidarbha movement. Her unwavering commitment and tireless work for the cause will remain unforgettable." VRAS youth wing president Mukesh Masurkar said, "Ranjanatai's demise is a significant loss to the movement. Her devotion to the cause will continue to inspire activists."The last rites will be performed at 11am on Thursday at Hindu crematorium in Amravati.