News: The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing a Telugu University named after Potti Sriramulu.
About Potti Sriramulu
- He was an Indian freedom fighter known for his pivotal role in the creation of Andhra State.
- He was bestowed with the title ‘Amarajeevi‘ for his supreme sacrifice for the cause of the people of Andhra.
- He was born on March 16, 1901, in the Madras Presidency, now part of Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
- He is remembered for his commitment to social justice and the upliftment of Dalits.
- Freedom struggle contribution:
- He was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi to join the freedom struggle.
- He was actively participated in significant movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922), Salt Satyagraha (1930), and Individual Satyagraha (1941-42).
- He was arrested by the British during the Quit India Movement in 1942 and jailed along with Gandhiji.
- Post independence:
- He began a hunger strike on October 19, 1952, demanding Andhra Pradesh’s formation from the Madras Presidency.
- After 58 days of fasting, he died on December 15, 1952, in Mylapore.
- His sacrifice led to the announcement of Andhra Pradesh on December 19, 1952, with statehood granted on November 1, 1956.
- Socio-religious activities:
- He was involved in the village reconstruction programmes at Rajkot in Gujarat.
- He also joined Gandhi ashram (established by Yerneni Subrahmanyam) in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh.
- He undertook three fasts to support Dalit (Harijan) entry rights to holy places including Venu Gopala Swamy Temple in Moolapeta, and Nellore.
