పొట్టి శ్రీరాములు బలిదానం, 1953 ఆంధ్ర రాష్ట్ర ఆవిర్భావం

Potti Sriramulu and the birth of Andhra State in 1953

"Amarajeevi" — Telugu people honor Potti Sriramulu with this title. He sacrificed his life for a separate state for the Telugu-speaking people. That sacrifice led not only to the creation of Andhra Pradesh, but also to the formation of linguistic states in India.

Background — Telugus in Madras State

During the British rule, the coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions were part of the Madras Presidency. Since the beginning of the 20th century, there has been a feeling that the language, culture and development of the Telugu people were not given due importance due to their proximity to Tamil-speaking areas. Since 1913, the Andhra Mahasabhas had demanded a separate state. During the independence movement, the Congress also agreed in principle to the formation of states on the basis of language.

Delay after independence

After independence in 1947, in the wake of the wounds of partition, the central leadership felt that linguistic states were a threat to the unity of the country. Committees set up on this issue suggested delay. The dispute over who should own the city of Madras also came to the fore. Intolerance grew among the Telugu people.

Who is Potti Sriramulu?

Born in 1901, Potti Sriramulu worked as a railway engineer in Bombay. After the death of his wife and child, he left his job and joined Gandhiji's Sabarmati Ashram. He participated in movements like the Salt Satyagraha and Quit India and went to jail. He also initiated a movement for the entry of Harijans into temples. It is said that Gandhiji praised him by saying, "If there are eleven people like Sriram, I will achieve independence in a year."

58 days of fasting

On October 19, 1952, Potti Sriramulu began a fast unto death at the house of Bulusu Sambamurthy in Madras. His demand was a separate Andhra state including the city of Madras. As the days passed, his health deteriorated. The Center did not give any clear assurance. After 58 days of fasting, he breathed his last on the night of December 15, 1952.

Movement in a frenzy

The news of his death sparked outrage across Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. Protests, bandhs, and violent incidents took place. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announced the formation of Andhra state on December 19, 1952.

1 October 1953 — Andhra State

Andhra State was formed on 1 October 1953 with Kurnool as its capital. "Andhra Kesari" Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu became the first Chief Minister. However, the city of Madras remained within the Madras State. This was the first major state in the country to be formed on the basis of language.

The martyrdom that changed the map of the country

After the formation of Andhra state, demands from other linguistic regions also increased. The Centre appointed the States Reorganisation Commission in 1953 itself. Based on its recommendations, the States Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956. On 1 November 1956, Andhra state and the Telangana region of Hyderabad state were merged to form Andhra Pradesh. States like Kerala and Karnataka (Mysore) were also formed on the basis of language.

Remembrance

Nellore district was named "Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District" in honour of Potti Sriramulu. There is a Potti Sriramulu Telugu University in Hyderabad. The house where he initiated in Chennai is a memorial.

Conclusion

The life of Potti Sriramulu shows how the determination of a common man can change the history of the country. Every Telugu child should remember that immortal who gave his life for the Telugu language and Telugu self-respect.