Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the year-long 125th birth anniversary celebration of legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh
About ‘Alluri Sitarama Raju’ –
- Alluri Sitarama Raju (1897–1924) was an Indian revolutionary who waged an armed campaign against British colonial rule in India.
- Born in present-day Andhra Pradesh, he became involved in anti-British activities in response to the 1882 Madras Forest Act, which effectively restricted the free movement of Adivasis (tribal communities) in their forest habitats and prevented them from practicing a traditional form of agriculture known as podu.
- Rising discontent towards the British led to the Rampa Rebellion of 1922, in which he played a major part as a leader.
- He was nicknamed “Manyam Veerudu” (Hero of the Jungle) by local villagers for his heroic exploits.