Freedom struggle is a legacy that must be passed on: Chaganti Koteswara Rao

Metro India News | AMARAVATI : The freedom struggle was not merely a chapter of the past but a legacy that must be preserved and passed on to future generations, spiritual speaker and State Government Adviser on Ethical Values Chaganti Koteswara Rao said. Addressing students as the chief speaker at the ‘Bharateeyam’ programme organised at the Akundi Lakshmi Memorial Goshala in Thimmapuram of Kakinada Rural, Chaganti stressed the need to instill patriotism and awareness of India’s freedom movement among young people.

He said the freedom enjoyed by Indians today had been built on the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters and that the younger generation must understand the value of those sacrifices. Drawing a parallel with a father who works throughout his life to create wealth for his children, Chaganti said freedom fighters had similarly made immense sacrifices to leave the nation’s freedom as a legacy for future generations. “It is our responsibility not only to enjoy that freedom but also to understand the sacrifices behind it and protect its values,” he said.

Chaganti said the term ‘Bharateeyam’ had its roots in the freedom struggle and referred to the nationwide opposition to the Simon Commission. He said discussions about such episodes of history were necessary to help children understand the country’s past and develop a sense of patriotism and moral responsibility. Recalling the hardships endured by freedom fighters, he referred to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the sacrifices of Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu and Potti Sriramulu, and the contribution of legendary singer Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao to the freedom movement.

He urged educational institutions and families to expose children to the lives of freedom fighters and encourage them to visit places associated with the freedom struggle. Chaganti also praised Education Minister Nara Lokesh for supporting the ‘Bharateeyam’ initiative aimed at promoting patriotism and ethical values among students. He recalled that Lokesh had responded positively when approached about the program and attended it ahead of the scheduled time. Chaganti said Lokesh’s interest in the nation’s history and his respect for elders reflected the values the program sought to instill among students. He said initiatives such as ‘Bharateeyam’ could help children understand that India’s freedom was secured through immense sacrifice and that they were the inheritors of that legacy.