58-ft statue in Amaravati

A towering tribute to Potti Sriramulu is set to rise in Amaravati, with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announcing a 58-foot statue in honour of the freedom fighter’s 58-day hunger strike that led to the creation of Andhra State. The statue, along with a memorial, will be completed before his next birth anniversary.
To preserve his legacy, Potti Sriramulu’s ancestral house in Padamatipalli will be transformed into a museum. Additionally, a modern health centre and a high school building will be constructed in the village. Responding to the long-pending requests of locals, the Chief Minister also assured the construction of a bridge over the Buckingham Canal.
Addressing a gathering at Undavalli during the birth anniversary celebrations on Sunday, Naidu paid floral tributes to Potti Sriramulu, describing him as a rare soul whose sacrifice reshaped Indian history.
“Many are born on this earth, but only a few leave an indelible mark. As long as Telugu history exists, Potti Sriramulu’s name will be remembered. His ultimate sacrifice paved the way for the formation of linguistic states in India,” the Chief Minister said.
Born on March 16, 1901, in Madras, Potti Sriramulu’s family hailed from Nellore. A firm believer in linguistic identity, he championed the demand for a separate Telugu-speaking state, undeterred by initial indifference from both the people and the government. His 58-day hunger strike ended in his martyrdom on December 15, 1952, sparking a mass movement that forced then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to announce the creation of Andhra State within days. The formal declaration came on March 25, 1953, and the state was officially carved out on October 1, 1953.
Andhra Pradesh, which later merged with Telangana, was bifurcated again in 2014. “We have honoured his sacrifice by commemorating December 15 as his martyrdom day,” Naidu said, stressing that Potti Sriramulu’s legacy must be preserved for future generations.
The Chief Minister underscored his vision of making Andhra Pradesh the No. 1 state by 2047, asserting that the foundation laid by Potti Sriramulu must be strengthened. He also called for the establishment of a memorial trust in the leader’s name and urged people to actively participate in preserving his contributions.
“Remembering sacrifices for just a day or two isn’t enough. Future generations must be inspired by them for years to come. We must educate those unfamiliar with history about how Potti Sriramulu gave his life to the Telugu people. Under our leadership, we renamed Nellore district in his honour,” Naidu added.
Marking the beginning of his 125th birth anniversary celebrations, the government has planned a year-long series of programs, culminating in a grand event on March 16 next year. One major event will be organized every month to highlight his contributions.
Additionally, the government will roll out the P4 initiative starting this Ugadi, aimed at social stability and improving living standards. The Chief Minister emphasized bridging economic disparities, ensuring that every section of society benefits from development.
“In the next five years, our focus will be on poverty eradication and uplifting the underprivileged. Even within affluent communities like the Vaisyas, economically weaker sections need support. We must work together for societal progress,” he stated.
The event was attended by Minister Narayana, Arya Vysya Corporation Chairman Doondi Rakesh, and representatives from various communities, who joined in paying homage to the leader whose sacrifice continues to shape Andhra Pradesh’s journey.