Archive · 17 Dec 2025
VNVK Sastry, Dedicated Adivasi Supporter, Passes Away
V N V K Sastry was a very kind and dedicated teacher and officer who spent his life helping adivasi (tribal) communities in India.
He worked for the government and later as a researcher, writing many books and articles about tribal lives.
He was loved by the people he helped, especially the children.
He once even made sure children in a school got good food after finding out they were being served rotten rice.
He passed away at 78, leaving behind a big impact on tribal welfare and studies.
His friends and colleagues remember him as a gentle and warm person who always put the needs of tribal communities first.
V N V K Sastry, a retired senior officer and social anthropologist, dedicated his life to the welfare of adivasi communities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
He authored ten major books and over a hundred research papers, becoming one of South India’s most respected scholars of tribal societies.
Sastry served for 34 years in the Tribal Welfare Department and continued his work post-retirement for nearly two decades.
He was known for his deep understanding of forest rights, land governance, and community institutions, making him a sought-after expert.
His passing on December 8 at the age of 78 marks the end of a remarkable journey dedicated to empowering tribal communities.
- Who
- V N V K Sastry, a retired senior officer and social anthropologist dedicated to adivasi communities.
- What
- His passing marks the end of a five-decade journey dedicated to understanding, documenting, and empowering adivasi communities.
- When
- He passed away on December 8 at the age of 78.
- Where
- He worked extensively in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, particularly in districts like Adilabad, Warangal, and Kurnool.
- Why
- He was committed to improving the lives of tribal communities through welfare, education, and forest rights programs.
- Name
- V N V K Sastry
- Age at Death
- 78
- Date of Death
- December 8
- Profession
- Social Anthropologist, Retired Senior Officer
- Notable Works
- 10 major books, over 100 research papers
- Key Positions
- Director of Tribal Cultural Research and Training Institute (TCR&TI), Hyderabad
- Specialization
- Tribal Societies in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
- Legacy
- Empowerment of Adivasi communities, Foundational texts for tribal studies