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Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya
Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya, born on 24 November 1880 in Gundugolanu village, Andhra Pradesh, was a prominent figure in India’s struggle for independence. He initially trained as a medical doctor, graduating from Madras Medical College in 1901, and practised medicine until he fully committed to the political movement in 1916.
Contributions to India’s Freedom Struggle:
- Early Involvement and Activism: Sitaramayya’s political journey began with his involvement in the Home Rule Movement, which sought self-governance for India within the British Empire. He became a member of the Indian National Congress (INC) and was actively engaged in various significant movements, including the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement.
- His commitment to non-violence and civil disobedience aligned closely with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy.
- In 1919, he founded the nationalist weekly Janmabhumi, which became a platform for promoting ideas of non-violence, Satyagraha, and the boycott of foreign goods. Through this publication, he aimed to mobilise public opinion against colonial rule and advocated for economic self-sufficiency through initiatives like cooperative banking.
- Leadership Roles: Sitaramayya’s leadership capabilities were recognised when he was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1948.
- He played a crucial role during pivotal moments in the freedom struggle, such as presiding over the All India States Peoples Conference, which addressed issues related to princely states and their integration into India.
- Additionally, he was a member of the Constituent Assembly, contributing significantly to discussions on constitutional matters post-independence.
- Economic Initiatives: In response to the economic exploitation under British rule, Sitaramayya established the Andhra Bank in 1923 and the Hindustan Insurance Company in 1935.
- These initiatives were aimed at curbing the financial drain from India to Britain and fostering an independent economic framework for Indians. His advocacy for national banking and insurance reflected his broader vision of economic self-reliance as essential for political independence.
Other Contributions:
- Sitaramayya’s contributions extend beyond politics into literature; he authored several influential works, including History of the Indian National Congress and Gandhi and Gandhism, which documented the INC’s journey and Gandhi’s philosophies, respectively.
- He served as the first Governor of Madhya Pradesh from 1956 until his death on 17 December 1959.
