Alluri Sitharama Raju

A hero of India’s freedom struggle, Alluri Sitharama Raju was known as “Manyam Veerudu” or the “Hero of the Jungle.” He emerged as a messiah in the Rampa region of present day Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. Deeply observant of colonial atrocities since an early age, he resolved to fight against the British rulers early in his life. Alluri Sitharama Raju sincerely engaged with the issues faced by tribal people and forest dwellers. He channeled their resentment and angst into an armed resistance and led the Guerrilla warfare. The Rampa Rebellion (1922-1924) aimed to protect the forest rights of the tribal people, and protest against the manifold exploitation at the hands of colonial rulers. After brewing for several months, the revolution started in Manyam on August 22, 1922. With strategic efforts, they attacked several police stations and looted British weapons and armoury. Alluri Sitharama Raju and his followers were indomitable in their spirit and strength. The British forces were deeply troubled but unsuccessful in catching him until two years later. He was martyred on May 7, 1924. Recently, on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary, a 30 foot tall Bronze statue of Alluri Sitharama Raju was unveiled by the Prime Minister in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh.