Saint-turned-freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, who fought for the rights of tribal people under Visakha Agency area in Andhra Pradesh against the British, is inspiring generations with SS Rajamouli’s film ‘RRR’, where the popular Tollywood actor Ram Charan played the role. of Ramaraju, which was largely based on the life of a warrior.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday unveiled a 30-feet tall bronze statue of Alluri Sitarama Raju in Andhra Pradesh on his 125th birth anniversary.
Born on July 4, 1897 in Mogallu village of Palakoderu Mandal in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, Alluri Sitarama Raju started the Rampa rebellion in 1922, also known as “Manyam Veerudu”. His father, Venkata Rama Raju, was a photographer and his mother, Suryanarayanamma, was a homemaker. His father died when he was eight years old. He completed his schooling in Bhimavaram, Narasapuram and Visakhapatnam.
Leading the tribals in the Agency areas, Alluri Sitarama Raju’s revolt against the British gained momentum after opposing the strict implementation of the Madras Forest Act, 1882, which forced the tribal people from podu farming (old farming) for their lives. banned. makes it miserable. by the tribals where they cannot use the process of cultivation of the plains).
Believing in armed struggle, Alluri Sitarama Raju raided the police stations of Chintapalli, Rajavommangi, Addatigala, Rampachodavaram and Devipatnam in broad daylight to seize ammunition and firearms. After confiscating the arms and ammunition, he left a note in the police station detailing the items taken.
His relentless and selfless struggle to save the livelihood of the tribals from the British rulers has earned them admiration and respect. Unable to digest Alluri Sitaramaraju’s popularity among the tribes and his rebellion against the ruling class, the British police arrested him on May 7, 1924 and was later shot by him.
In addition to paying tribute to their sacrifice in freeing the tribals from the clutches of the British, the Andhra Pradesh government has also reorganized more districts in the state to create a district called ‘Alluri Sitarama Raju’, which includes parts of Visakhapatnam and Eastern Godavari District. parts are included.