58 feet bronze statue of Potti Sriramulu unveiled in Amaravati

Amaravati: Chie Minister N Chandrababu Naidu unveiled the 58-foot bronze statue of Potti Sriramulu at Shakhamuru Park in Amaravonly on Monday on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary.
The statue was erected by the Amarajeevi Potti Sriramulu Memorial Trust as a tribute to the 58-day fast undertaken by Sriramulu for the formation of a separate state for Telugu people.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister stated that a true tribute to Amarajeevi Potti Sriramulu would be achieved only when the state progresses in all sectors. He named the statue as Statue of Sacrifice as it represents the unparalleled sacrifice of Amarajeevi.
The statue has been installed on 6.80 acres of land in Shakhamuru Park. The Trust completed the first phase of the project within a record time of six months. A total of 26 tonnes of bronze and 42 tonnes of iron structure were used for the statue. In the second phase, a museum, auditorium and skill development centres will be developed. The Chief Minister said, 'Potti Sriramulu is synonymous with inspiration. He does not belong to any one caste'he belongs to everyone.

The 58-foot statue symbolises his 58-day fast. This monument has been named the 'Statue of Sacrifice'. The world has the Statue of Liberty and the Statue of Unity and now Andhra Pradesh has the Statue of Sacrifice. The first phase of the Potti Sriramulu Memorial Park was completed within six months.
He further noted that Sriramulu asserted the identity of Telugu people at a time when they had little recognition. 'Mahatma Gandhi achieved India's freedom through the philosophy of non-violence, while Potti Sriramulu sacrificed his life to secure a separate state for Telugu people.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that Sriramulu fought on many social issues throughout his life. Even after losing his wife and children, he overcame personal grief and dedicated his life to the nation. He fought for temple entry rights for Dalits and undertook a 29-day hunger strike for that cause. Later, he carried out a 58-day fast without even drinking water and ultimately sacrificed his life.
The Chief Minister said the Telugu community has faced numerous challenges historically. Initially under the Madras Presidency, Telugu people achieved the formation of Andhra State with Kurnool as its capital following Sriramulu's struggle. Later, Andhra Pradesh was formed with Hyderabad as its capital. After the bifurcation, Amaravati emerged as the capital of the new Andhra Pradesh. He said Amaravati will be developed in such a way that everyone can proudly say, 'Amaravati is my capital.' Within three years, you will witness its transformation,' he said.
He announced that the government would officially observe the self-sacrifice day of Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari. The birthplace of Vasavi Mata, Penugonda, has been renamed Vasavi Penugonda in recognition of the sentiments of Arya Vaishyas.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan named the Jal Jeevan Mission initiative 'Amarajeevi Jaladhara,' ensuring that everyone who drinks water remembers Amarajeevi. The Chief Minister also announced that the government would issue a Government Order recognising all Vaishyas under the common identity of Arya Vaishyas instead of different sub-names.
He mentioned that global conflicts are affecting the marketing of several products in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking steps to ensure that the impact of war does not significantly affect the country. 'There is no need to be discouraged. In difficult times, we must work collectively and ensure that development continues,' he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, Ministers Nara Lokesh, Kandula Durgesh, Nadendla Manohar, TG Bharat and Savitha, BJP Andhra Pradesh President PVN Madhav and several leaders participated.
The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister also unveiled a special postal cover issued by the Department of Posts in honour of Potti Sriramulu. On the occasion, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister felicitated members of Potti Sriramulu's family .