Freedom Struggle is Not Just a History of a Few Years, Areas, or People: PM Modi

GG News Bureau

Bhimavaram, 4^th July. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a year-long commemoration of legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju’s birth anniversary in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh.

Among those present were Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, and Union Minister G.Kishan Reddy.

In his address to the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to salute Andhra Pradesh, a great land with a rich heritage. He noted the convergence of major events such as the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Alluri Sitarama Raju’s 125th birthday, and the Rampa Rebellion’s 100th anniversary.

The Prime Minister bowed to the memory of the great “Manyam Veerudu” Alluri Sitarama Raju and paid him tributes on behalf of the entire country. He also expressed pleasure at meeting members of the great freedom fighter’s family. The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the ‘Adivasi Parampara’ and the freedom fighters who emerged from Andhra Pradesh’s tradition.

The 125th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju Garu and the 100th anniversary of Rampa Kranti will be celebrated throughout the year, PM Modi said. Restoration of his birthplace in Pandrangi, renovation of Chintapalli police station, and construction of Alluri Dhyana Mandir in Mogallu, he said, are all symbols of Amrit Mahotsav’s spirit. The Prime Minister stated that today’s programme reflects his pledge to make everyone aware of our freedom fighters’ heroic deeds.

The Prime Minister stated that the freedom struggle is more than just a few years, a few areas, or a few people. This is the story of sacrifice, tenacity, and selflessness from every corner of India.

“History of our freedom movement is a symbol of the strength of our diversity, culture and of our unity as a nation”, he added.

Terming Alluri Sitarama Raju a symbol of India’s culture, tribal identity, valour, ideals and values, the Prime Minister remarked that from the birth of Sitaram Raju Garu to his sacrifice, his life journey is an inspiration to all of us. He dedicated his life for the rights of tribal society, for their happiness and sorrow and for the freedom of the country.

“Alluri Sitarama Raju represents the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ that has been uniting the country in one thread of unity”, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that India’s spiritualism gave Alluri Sitarama Raju a sense of compassion and kindness, a sense of identification and equality for the tribal society, knowledge and courage.

Noting the youth of Alluri Sitarama Raju and those who laid down their lives at the Rampa Rebellion, the Prime Minister emphasised that their sacrifice is a source of energy and inspiration for the entire nation even today.

“Youth of the country led the freedom struggle. Today, this is the best opportunity for the youth to come forward for the development of the country”, the Prime Minister said. He pointed out that “today, there are new opportunities, avenues, thought processes and possibilities in New India today and our youth is taking up the responsibility of realising these possibilities.”

The Prime Minister said Andhra Pradesh is the land of heroes and patriots. Here there were freedom heroes like Pingali Venkayya, who prepared the flag of the country. This is the land of heroes like Kaneganti Hanumanthu, Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu and Potti Sriramulu.

PM Modi urged that today, it is the responsibility of all of us countrymen to fulfil the dreams of these fighters in Amrit Kaal. Our new India should be the India of their dreams. An India – in which the poor, farmers, labourers, backward, tribals have equal opportunities for all. The Prime Minister stated that, during the last 8 years, the government has worked relentlessly for the welfare of the tribal community of the country.

The Prime Minister said for the first time since independence, tribal museums are being set up to showcase the tribal pride and heritage in the country.

“Alluri Sitarama Raju Memorial Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum” is also being built in Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh. Similarly 15 November, the birthday of Bhagwan Birsa Munda has been demarcated as Rashtriya Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

The Prime Minister said that the foreign rulers perpetrated maximum atrocities on the tribal community and tried to destroy their culture.

The Prime Minister said today tribal art and skills are getting a new identity through the Skill India Mission.

‘Vocal for Local’ is making tribal art skills a means of income.

Decades old laws which prevented tribal people from cutting forest produce like bamboo, we changed them and gave them rights on forest produce, he said. Similarly, the number of forest products for MSP procurement increased from 12 to more than 90. More than 3000 Van Gan Vikas Kendra and More than 50,000 Van Gana Self Help Groups are connecting tribal products and art with modern opportunities.

Aspirational Districts Schemes will greatly benefit tribal districts and, on the education front, more than 750 Eklavya Model schools are being established and education in Mother tongue is being promoted under National Education Policy.

The Prime Minister said “Manyam Veerudu” Alluri Sitarama Raju, during his struggle with the British, showed that – ‘Dum hai to mujhe rok lo’- Stop me if you can.

Today the country is also facing the challenges before it. With the same courage, 130 crore countrymen, with unity and strength, are telling every challenge – ‘Dum hai to hamain rok lo’, the Prime Minister concluded.