Vizag marks 129th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju

Visakhapatnam: Different government organisations, educational institutions and people’s groups celebrated the 129th birth anniversary of revolutionary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.

The district administration and the tourism department organised the main celebrations at Pandrangi in Padmanabham mandal, the birthplace of Raju.BJP state president PVN Madhav, local MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, NTR Vaidya Seva Trust Corporation chairperson Seethamraju Sudhakar and other public representatives paid floral tributes to the freedom fighter’s statue in Pandrangi. The celebrations began with traditional folk art performances and cultural programmes, followed by a rally led by Madhav and other leaders carrying the national flag from Raju’s ancestral house to the public meeting venue.At a separate programme organised by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, commissioner Ketan Garg said that Alluri occupies a permanent place in history. He urged the youth to draw inspiration from the freedom fighter and fulfil their responsibility towards the nation. Garg also said that the upcoming Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, named in honour of the legendary freedom fighter, will be inaugurated soon.

Andhra University vice-chancellor Prof GP Rajasekhar said people should draw inspiration from Raju and work for the welfare and development of tribal communities. “Reducing school dropout rates in tribal areas and creating awareness about the health risks associated with teenage pregnancies should be given priority. The university would provide the necessary intellectual and academic support to improve the health and quality of life of tribal communities,” said the VC.