Lakshmi Sarojini Mylavarapu, 87, of Holmdel, passed away on Thursday, November 13.

Sarojini was born in Nuzvid, India to the late Venkata Subbamma and Varanasi Venkatachelam. As the daughter that her parents longed for after four brothers, she was doted on like a princess. She was raised in Ernakulam and Madras until her marriage to M. S. Prakasa Rao in 1956, after which she moved to Bombay and then Bangalore where she raised her three children. With her affectionate and open nature, she embraced her husband’s family as her own and enjoyed the affection of all her in-laws. She actively encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue their dreams, whether in dance, engineering, science, or public policy.

Beyond the home, she and her husband were active in Telugu literature and arts in Bangalore, and had a wide network of very close friends. Even after moving to the US in 2000 to be closer to her children following her husband’s death, Sarojini maintained those precious connections, staying in close contact with loved ones across continents until her final days.

Sarojini’s life was a tapestry of creative pursuits and intellectual curiosity. As a child, she shone in the theatrical group Balanandam and even appeared in a film. Throughout her life, she channeled her artistic spirit into crafts, needlework, knitting, painting, and theatre, bringing meticulous attention and perfectionist dedication to everything she touched. An insatiable reader in Telugu and English with particular passions for history, culture, and politics, she remained intellectually engaged throughout her life. Her readings and travels across continents broadened her worldview, fostering an interest in American history and global affairs which she loved to share with everyone. As the daughter of an Indian freedom fighter, she never shied from a spirited political debate and was consistently progressive with a strong sense of justice.

Even when health challenges limited her mobility, Sarojini’s connection to the world remained undiminished. With her phone and the Internet as faithful companions, she stayed closely linked to friends, family, and current events, her curiosity and engagement never wavering. 

She is predeceased by her parents, her husband M. S. PrakasaRao and four siblings (Venkat, Bhaskar Rao, Subramanyam, and Annapurna).

Sarojini is survived by her daughter Rajyashree Ramesh and son-in-law K. S. Ramesh of Berlin, Germany; son MylavarapuRamesh of Vacaville, CA; daughter Shobha Erramilli and son-in-law Ashok Erramilli of Holmdel; and four beloved grandchildren Kirthi, Kiran, Suchet, and Sameer. She is also survived by three brothers, Pattabhi Rama Rao, Gopalakrishna, and Ramakrishna Rao; and two sisters, Subbalakshmi, Anandalakshmi. 

Viewing and service will be offered on Monday, November 17 from 9:30am – 11:30am at Franklin Memorial Park, 1800 NJ-27, North Brunswick Township.

For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Sarojini, please visit her page of tribute atwww.HolmdelFuneralHome.com