AP: PM unveils 30-feet tall bronze statue of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju

Paying rich tributes to Alluri Sitarama Raju, PM Modi said he involved himself in the country's fight for independence early, dedicated himself for Adivasi welfare and the country and was "martyred" at a young age.

Bhimavaram (AP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the year-long 125th birth anniversary celebration of legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh on Monday. He unveiled a 30-feet tall bronze statue of the legendary freedom fighter.

Governor of Andhra Pradesh Biswabhusan Harichandan, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and Union Minister G.Kishan Reddy were among those present on the occasion. As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Prime Minister launched the 125th birth anniversary celebration of Alluri Sitarama Raju in a grand manner.

Born on 4th July 1897, Alluri Sitarama Raju is remembered for his fight against the British, in order to safeguard the interests of the tribal communities in the Eastern Ghats region. He had led the Rampa rebellion, which was launched in 1922. He is referred to as “Manyam Veerudu” (Hero of the Jungles) by the local people.

The government has planned a series of initiatives as part of the year-long celebration. The birthplace of Alluri Sitarama Raju at Pandrangi in Vizianagaram district and Chintapalli Police Station (to mark 100 years of Rampa Rebellion - the attack on this police station marked the beginning of Rampa Rebellion) will be restored.

The government has also approved the construction of Alluri Dhyana Mandir at Mogallu with a statue of Alluri Sitarama Raju in Dhyana Mudra, depicting the life story of the freedom fighter through mural paintings and an AI-enabled interactive system.