Potti Sreeramulu

Who was Potti Sreeramulu?

Potti Sreeramulu, was an Indian revolutionary. A devout follower of Mahatma Gandhi, he worked for much of his life for humanitarian causes, including support for the "Dalit community. Commenting on Sreeramulu's dedication and fasting ability, Gandhi once said "If only I have eleven more followers like Sriramulu I will win freedom [from British rule] in a year."

Sreeramulu is revered as Amarajeevi in the Andhra region for his self-sacrifice for the Andhra cause. He became famous for undertaking a hunger strike in support of the formation of an Indian state for the Telugu-speaking population of Madras Presidency; he lost his life in the process. His death sparked public rioting, and Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru declared the intent to form Andhra State three days following.