Learn the spirit of sacrifice, unwavering commitment from freedom fighters: Naidu urges youth

Visakhapatnam: The Vice-President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, on Tuesday visited Pandrangi village near Visakhapatnam, the birthplace of noted freedom fighter and revolutionary Alluri Sitarama Raju.

Calling it a memorable day in his life, Mr. Naidu said he was an ardent follower of Alluri since he was a student. After garlanding a statue of Alluri, he met the family members of the freedom fighter and interacted with the residents of the village.

Lauding Alluri's sacrifices, Mr. Naidu said, "He did not flinch when facing the might of the British empire. His conviction, commitment, selfless dedication, and sincerity were unshakeable as he galvanised the tribals to fight against the injustices of the British."

He suggested that as India celebrates Aazadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, "We must recollect the innumerable sacrifices of our freedom fighters and take inspiration from their patriotic zeal." He reminded that these heroes fought "not merely for an abstract geographical entity, but to free millions of people from an oppressive and unjust British rule."

Mr. Naidu called upon the youth "to learn the spirit of sacrifice and unwavering commitment from our freedom fighters." He asked them not to compromise on core values whatever the exigency. He urged the youth to visit the birthplaces of such great national heroes and seek inspiration by reliving their stories.

The Vice-President later visited the village of Ramalayam Barlapeta and unveiled the busts of freedom fighters Rupakula Subrahmanyam and Rupakula Visalakshi. Interacting with the residents of the village, he lauded the couple's efforts in the temple entry movement, Quit India movement, and the Salt Satyagraha. Mr. Naidu said that their lives serve as an inspiration to the present generation and urged that many such unsung heroes' lives be retold and celebrated.