Chandrababu unveils 58 foot ‘Statue of Sacrifice’ of Potti Sriramulu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said that the true tribute to freedom fighter Potti Sriramulu lies in the comprehensive development of the state, urging people to carry forward the spirit of sacrifice that led to the formation of Andhra State.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while inaugurating a 58-foot bronze statue of Potti Sriramulu, named the “Statue of Sacrifice,” at Shakamuru Park in Amaravati. The unveiling was held as part of the celebrations marking the 125th birth anniversary of Potti Sriramulu, whose 58-day fast unto death paved the way for the formation of a separate state for Telugu-speaking people.

The statue, installed by the Amarajeevi Potti Sriramulu Memorial Trust, stands on 6.80 acres within the park and is the first major monument in Amaravati. Constructed using 26 tonnes of bronze and a 42-tonne iron structure, the statue symbolically reflects Sriramulu’s 58-day fast. The first phase of the memorial park project was completed in a record six months. In the next phase, authorities plan to develop a museum, auditorium and skill development centre at the site.

Speaking at the event, Naidu described Potti Sriramulu as a symbol of inspiration for the Telugu people. “He did not belong to one community alone, he belonged to everyone. His sacrifice gave Telugu people a separate identity and laid the foundation for linguistic states in India,” the Chief Minister said. He noted that Sriramulu had undertaken several struggles during his lifetime, including campaigns for Dalit temple entry and social equality, before ultimately sacrificing his life for the formation of Andhra State.

Naidu also linked the legacy of sacrifice to the development of Amaravati, stating that while Sriramulu’s sacrifice gave the Telugu people a state, the sacrifices of farmers made the capital city possible through the land pooling initiative.

The Chief Minister criticised previous attempts to dilute the concept of a single capital and reiterated that Amaravati would be developed as a people’s capital and growth engine for the state. “Every citizen should proudly say Amaravati is our capital,” he said, adding that the government is committed to transforming the city into a modern administrative and economic hub within the next few years.

Naidu also announced that the government would issue a Government Order recognising various Vaishya communities collectively as Arya Vaishyas, acknowledging their contribution to commerce and philanthropy.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, ministers including Nara Lokesh and several public representatives attended the event and paid floral tributes to the statue. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister also unveiled a commemorative postal cover dedicated to Potti Sriramulu and honoured members of his family during the ceremony.