Sri Potti Sriramulu

Potti Sriramulu Latest News

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister announced the installation of a 58-ft statue of Potti Sriramulu in Amaravati, commemorating his 58-day hunger strike for the formation of Andhra State.

About Potti Sriramulu

• Potti Sriramulu (1901-1952) was an Indian freedom fighter and revolutionary best known for his role in demanding a separate Telugu-speaking state.
• His death after a 56-day fast on December 15, 1952, led to mass protests, forcing Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to announce the creation of Andhra State on December 19, 1952.
• His sacrifice laid the foundation for the reorganisation of states on a linguistic basis, leading to the formation of linguistic states in India.

Key Contributions of Potti Sriramulu

• Role in the Indian Independence Movement: Participated in Salt Satyagraha (1930) and was imprisoned for his role. Took part in the Quit India Movement (1942) against British rule.
  • A staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi, he joined the Gandhi Ashram in Komaravolu, established by Yerneni Subrahmanyam.
• Fight for Andhra State and linguistic reorganization: Advocated for a separate Telugu-speaking state from Madras Presidency, believing that people should be governed in their own language.
  • Launched a hunger strike on October 19, 1952, demanding a Telugu-speaking state.
  • Passed away on December 15, 1952, after 56 days of fasting, triggering nationwide protests.
  • The protests led to the formation of Andhra State on October 1, 1953, with Kurnool as its capital.
• Social reforms: Fought for Dalit rights, undertaking a hunger strike to allow Dalits entry into the Venu Gopala Swamy Temple in Moolapeta, Nellore, which was later granted.
• Impact of Potti Sriramulu’s Sacrifice: His death led to the formation of the State Reorganisation Commission (1953), which recommended the reorganization of Indian states based on linguistic lines.
  • This ultimately resulted in the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, leading to the formation of linguistic states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

Potti Sriramulu FAQs

Q1. Who was Potti Sriramulu?
Ans. Potti Sriramulu was an Indian freedom fighter and activist known for his hunger strike demanding the formation of a separate Andhra state for Telugu-speaking people.

Q2. Why is Potti Sriramulu famous?
Ans. He is remembered for his 58-day hunger strike, which led to his death and eventually resulted in the creation of Andhra Pradesh in 1953.

Q3. What was Potti Sriramulu’s role in the Indian freedom movement?
Ans. He participated in Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement and worked for the upliftment of Dalits and the poor.

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Q4. How did Potti Sriramulu’s sacrifice influence India’s state reorganization?
Ans. His martyrdom intensified demands for linguistic states, leading to the formation of the States Reorganization Commission in 1956.

Source: TOI