From Pandrangi to Chintapalli police station, Modi promises to develop places associated with Alluri Sitarama Raju

Bhimavaram: "Telugu Veera levara, Deeksha booni saagara," remembering the song of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, Prime Minister Narendra Modi surprised the people of Andhra Pradesh by speaking in Telugu at a public meeting in Bhimavaram town. On Alluri Sitharama Raju's 125th birth anniversary, Mr. Modi virtually unveiled a 30-foot-tall statue 'Manyam Veerudu' of the freedom fighter as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The statue weighs around 15 tonnes and cost around Rs. 3.5 crores.

Thousands of people from neighbouring districts thronged Bhimavaram town on 4 July to celebrate the revolutionary freedom fighter's birth anniversary. Mr. Modi addressed a public meeting near Peda Amiram village in Bhimavaram. "Andhra Pradesh is a land that gave birth to many freedom fighters, including Alluri Sitarama Raju, Pingali Venkayya, Kandukuri Veeresalingam, and Potti Sriramulu. I am lucky to be in Andhra Pradesh," he said.

Alluri's places to be developed

Addressing the public, the PM said the government has always prioritised women, youth, backward classes, and tribal people. "Alluri Sitaramaraju is an inspirational figure who fought for the tribal people. We will develop every place where Alluri's movements existed, including constructing the Alluri Dhyana Mandir at Mogallu, restoring the birthplace of Alluri Sitarama Raju at Pandrangi in Vizianagaram district, and restoring the Chintapalli police station (which was attacked during the Rampa Rebellion 100 years ago)," he added.

Stating that every tribal area in the state will be developed, Mr. Modi said the Alluri Sitaramaraju Memorial and Tribal Museum will come up in the Lambasingi village in the Visakhapatnam agency. "Backward districts, especially tribal districts, will be identified as aspirational districts and will be developed. Around 750 Ekavalaya schools will be developed in tribal areas," said the PM.

Addressing the youth, Mr. Modi said they should grab every opportunity that came their way to better their lives which will in turn help the nation. Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy, meanwhile, said the youth should take inspiration from Alluri Sitarama Raju.

The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Union minister for tourism and culture G. Kishan Reddy, film star K. Chiranjeevi, and state tourism minister Roja.

Proud moment for Alluri's family

It was a proud moment for Alluri Sitarama Raju's family who attended his birth anniversary celebration. Around 29 family members, including Alluri's brothers, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, attended. "We haven't spoken about our grandfather anywhere. It is so great to see the Prime Minister visit our place for my grandfather and honour him. We feel that Alluri Sitarama Raju's name should be known to the world like other freedom fighters," said the great-granddaughter of Alluri Sitarama Raju. The PM felicitated 83-year-old Alluri Srirama Raju, Alluri's nephew, and 89-year-old Bodi Dora, son of Alluri's close lieutenant Mallu Dora.

PM also met he family of freedom fighter from Andhra Pradesh Pasala Krishna Murthy. He took blessings of Pasala Krishna Bharathi, the 90 year old daughter of the freedom fighter.

Painting of 'Manyam Veerudu'

To mark the occasion, R. Mallikarjuna Rao, the director of the department of culture and state nodal officer for Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, made a painting of 'Manyam Veerudu' Alluri Sitarama Raju. The painting has the image of 'Bharat Matha' in the background and a scene depicting Alluri fighting the British. Rao sculpted the iconic 125-foot Dhyana Buddha statue at Amaravati. The painting was displayed at the gallery arranged at the venue.