Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu unveiled a 58-foot bronze statue of freedom fighter Potti Sriramulu at Shakhamuru Park on Monday, marking his 125th birth anniversary. Revered as “Amarajeevi,” Sriramulu is remembered for his 58-day fast demanding a separate state for Telugu-speaking people from the then Madras state.
The current move earned more respect for the government. His death on December 15, 1952, triggered widespread protests, ultimately leading to the creation of Andhra Pradesh and paving the way for the formation of other linguistic states in India. The state was later bifurcated into Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The statue, built by the Potti Sriramulu Memorial Trust, stands on a 6.8-acre site and was completed in six months as part of the first phase of the project costing Rs 150 crore. The 58-foot structure was made using 26 tons of bronze and 42 tons of iron.
In the second phase, the memorial complex will be expanded with a museum, photo gallery, auditorium, and a skill development centre to highlight Sriramulu’s sacrifice and legacy.
