58-foot Potti Sriramulu Statue to be Unveiled in Amaravati

Synopsis

On March 16, Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the installation of a 58-foot statue of Potti Sriramulu in Amaravati, commemorating his 58-day hunger strike for Andhra State. Plans also include a memorial and museum in his honor, alongside various educational and health facilities.

Key Takeaways

58-foot statue planned for Potti Sriramulu in Amaravati.
Statue to be completed by next birth anniversary.
Potti Sriramulu's home to become a museum.
Annual events leading to grand celebrations on March 16, 2024.
Emphasis on preserving Potti Sriramulu's legacy.

Amaravati, March 16 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, revealed on Sunday that a 58-foot statue of Potti Sriramulu will be erected in the state capital, Amaravati, as a tribute to his 58-day hunger strike advocating for the formation of Andhra State.

This announcement coincided with the birth anniversary of Potti Sriramulu.

CM Naidu asserted that the statue will be finalized before the next birth anniversary, alongside a memorial in Amaravati.

Additionally, he disclosed plans to transform Potti Sriramulu's native home in Padamatipalli into a museum. A modern health facility and a high school will also be established in the village.

The Chief Minister participated in the birth anniversary festivities of Potti Sriramulu at Undavalli, where he honored the leader's statue with floral tributes.

The 125th birth anniversary festivities commenced on Sunday, with plans for a major event each month leading up to a grand celebration on March 16 next year.

CM Naidu remarked that Potti Sriramulu dedicated his life to serving the people and the Telugu community.

"Many individuals come into this world, but only a select few make a lasting impact on history. As long as Telugu history persists, the name of Potti Sriramulu will be cherished. His sacrifice was crucial for establishing linguistic states in India," he stated.

CM Naidu reflected on the period of British rule, where governance was organized through presidencies, favoring administrative ease over linguistic or regional identities. However, post-independence, the self-identity and cultural pride of the populace flourished.

Potti Sriramulu, born on March 16, 1901, in Madras, hailed from a family originally from Nellore. He passionately believed in the right of people to be governed in their native language. His relentless struggle for a separate Telugu-speaking state ultimately led to his sacrifice.

Despite initial apathy from both the public and the central government, Potti Sriramulu undertook a 58-day hunger strike and passed away on December 15, 1952. His demise triggered widespread public outrage, compelling then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to announce a separate Andhra State on December 19, 1952.

On March 25, 1953, Nehru officially proclaimed that Andhra State would be established on October 1, 1953. Andhra Pradesh later merged with Telangana but was divided again in 2014 into two distinct states.

"We have recognized his sacrifice by commemorating December 15 as his martyrdom day in a grand manner," the CM stated.

CM Naidu highlighted that by 2047, Andhra Pradesh aims to become the leading state. He emphasized the necessity of forming a memorial trust in the name of Potti Sriramulu and encouraged his followers and the public to contribute to preserving his legacy.

"Simply remembering sacrifices for a day or two is insufficient. Future generations must draw inspiration from them for years to come. We must enlighten those unfamiliar with history about how Potti Sriramulu sacrificed his life for the Telugu people. It was under our leadership that Nellore district was renamed in his honor," the CM concluded.