Potti Sriramulu Biography and Achievements

Table of Contents

Potti Sriramulu

Andhra Pradesh Govt. has announced that it will celebrate 125th Birth Anniversary of Potti Sriramulu (16 March 2025) in a grand manner.
He was born in 1901, in Madras Presidency (present-day Nellore, Andhra Pradesh).
He actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922), Salt Satyagraha (1930) & Individual Satyagraha.
Post-Independence he became an important figure in the struggle for a separate Telugu-speaking linguistic state.
He started a hunger strike in 1952, demanding the creation of Andhra Pradesh, separate from the Madras Presidency.

Birth: Potti Sriramulu was born on March 16, 1901, in Madras Presidency (now Andhra Pradesh).
Family Background: He belonged to a humble family, and his early life was marked by simplicity and strong values.
Education: He completed his schooling in Madras and pursued an engineering course in Mumbai.

Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi:
Sriramulu was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence and self-sacrifice. He joined Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement and participated actively in the Indian independence struggle.
Work for Dalit Rights:
Sriramulu championed the cause of the underprivileged, particularly the Dalits. He dedicated years of his life to uplift their status, inspired by Gandhi’s vision of an inclusive society.
Civil Disobedience Movement:
He played an active role in the Civil Disobedience Movement against British rule and faced imprisonment multiple times for participating in protests and demonstrations.

Linguistic Identity:
Post-independence, Sriramulu began advocating for a separate state for Telugu-speaking people. At the time, linguistic and cultural aspirations of different regions in India were being overshadowed.
Hunger Strike:
On October 19, 1952, Potti Sriramulu began a hunger strike in Madras (Chennai) to demand the formation of a Telugu-speaking state. His sacrifice became a turning point in Indian politics.
Death and Impact:
After fasting for 58 days, Potti Sriramulu passed away on December 15, 1952. His death triggered widespread protests and demonstrations across the Telugu-speaking regions.
Formation of Andhra State:
- The Indian government recognized the demand for a separate state.
- On October 1, 1953, the state of Andhra Pradesh was created, with Kurnool as its capital.
- Potti Sriramulu’s sacrifice became a catalyst for the reorganization of states on a linguistic basis across India.

Creation of Andhra Pradesh:
Sriramulu’s efforts directly led to the creation of Andhra Pradesh, marking the first instance where linguistic identity became the basis for state reorganization.
Symbol of Sacrifice:
His fast unto death demonstrated the power of non-violent protest and remains a testament to his unwavering commitment to the people.
Influence on State Reorganization:
His movement laid the foundation for the States Reorganization Act of 1956, which redrew India’s state boundaries based on linguistic lines.
Statues and Memorials:
- Numerous statues and memorials have been erected in his honor across Andhra Pradesh.
- His life story is taught in schools, and he continues to be a revered figure in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Potti Sriramulu Telugu University:
The university in Hyderabad named after him serves as a tribute to his contributions toward Telugu language and culture.