Alluri Sita Rama Raju statue
In Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 125th birth anniversary celebration of legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju. The Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Biswabhusan Harichandan, the Chief Minister Shri Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, and the Union Minister Shri G.Kishan Reddy were also there.
He said he’s grateful to be able to salute the great land of Andhra Pradesh with such a rich legacy. Several major events are happening at once, like Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, 125th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju, and 100 years of Rampa Rebellion. On behalf of the entire country, the Prime Minister bowed down to the great “Manyam Veerudu” Alluri Sitarama Raju. The great freedom fighter’s family was also happy to meet him. The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the ‘Adivasi Parampara’ and the freedom fighters of Andhra Pradesh.
Throughout the year, we’ll celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju Garu and the 100th anniversary of Rampa Kranti. The PM said the restoration of his birthplace at Pandrangi, the renovation of Chintapalli police station, and the construction of Alluri Dhyana Mandir at Mogallu are symbols of Amrit Mahotsav.
It’s not just a history of a few years, a few places, or a few people, the Prime Minister said. It’s the story of sacrifice, tenacity, and sacrifices all over India.
Terming Alluri Sitarama Raju a symbol of India’s culture, tribal identity, valour, ideals and values, the Prime Minister remarked that from the birth of Sitaram Raju Garu to his sacrifice, his life journey is an inspiration to all of us. He dedicated his life for the rights of tribal society, for their happiness and sorrow and for the freedom of the country. “Alluri Sitarama Raju represents the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ that has been uniting the country in one thread of unity”, the Prime Minister said.
According to the Prime Minister, India’s spiritualism gave Alluri Sitarama Raju empathy, compassion, a sense of belonging, and courage for tribal society. Noting the youth of Alluri Sitarama Raju and those who laid down their lives at the Rampa Rebellion, the Prime Minister emphasised that their sacrifice is a source of energy and inspiration for the entire nation even today. “Youth of the country led the freedom struggle. Today, this is the best opportunity for the youth to come forward for the development of the country”, the Prime Minister said. He pointed out that “today, there are new opportunities, avenues, thought processes and possibilities in New India today and our youth is taking up the responsibility of realising these possibilities.”
Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the National Tribal Research Institute in New Delhi
The Prime Minister said Andhra Pradesh is the land of heroes and patriots. Here there were freedom heroes like Pingali Venkayya, who prepared the flag of the country. This is the land of heroes like Kaneganti Hanumanthu, Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu and Potti Sriramulu. The Prime Minister urged that today, it is the responsibility of all of us countrymen to fulfil the dreams of these fighters in Amrit Kaal. Our new India should be the India of their dreams. An India – in which the poor, farmers, labourers, backward, tribals have equal opportunities for all. The Prime Minister stated that, during the last 8 years, the government has worked relentlessly for the welfare of the tribal community of the country.
The Prime Minister said for the first time since independence, tribal museums are being set up to showcase the tribal pride and heritage in the country. “Alluri Sitarama Raju Memorial Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum” is also being built in Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh. Similarly, 15 November, the birthday of Bhagwan Birsa Munda has been demarcated as Rashtriya Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The Prime Minister said that the foreign rulers perpetrated maximum atrocities on the tribal community and tried to destroy their culture.
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