📅 March 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
Inauguration of ‘Statue Of Sacrifice’ — Amarajeevi Sri Potti Sree Ramulu in Amaravati
The Inauguration of Amarajeevi Sri Potti Sreeramulu Garu’s ‘Statue Of Sacrifice’ in Amaravati is set to become one of the most significant cultural events in Andhra Pradesh in recent history.
Extending the Invitation to the inauguration ceremony to Honorable Governor Of Andhra Pradesh Sri Justice S. Abdul Nazeer
Honored to extended a formal invitation to the Honorable Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, to grace the inauguration as a distinguished guest. The invitation was presented at Lok Bhavan, with Managing Trustee Sri Doondi Rakesh Garu and Founder Trustee Sri Vanama Naveen Kumar leading the delegation, accompanied by Sri Gangadhar Desu.
As the Constitutional head of Andhra Pradesh, the Governor’s presence at this landmark event further underscores the national significance of Amarajeevi Sri Potti Sree Ramulu Garu ‘s legacy and the importance of this memorial to the entire Telugu community. The Governor received the invitation graciously and acknowledged the profound historical importance of the occasion.
The Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu has graciously confirmed his presence as the Chief Guest for the inauguration of the 58-foot ‘Unity of Sacrifice’ bronze statue on March 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.
As a Founder Trustee of the Potti Sree Ramulu Memorial Trust, I – Rao G. Desu (Gangadhar Desu) — was part of the delegation that personally extended this invitation to the Chief Minister at his Chamber in the Assembly, Amaravati. This moment has been deeply meaningful for all of us who have worked to honor the memory of Amarajeevi Sri Potti Sree Ramulu Garu.
Amarajeevi Potti Sree Ramulu: The Man Who Changed India’s Map
Sri Potti Sree Ramulu Garu — revered as Amarajeevi, meaning ‘immortal soul’ — was a freedom fighter and social activist whose selfless sacrifice remains one of the most powerful acts of nonviolent protest in post-independence Indian history. In 1952, he undertook a fast unto death demanding the creation of a separate Telugu-speaking state. After 58 days of fasting, he attained martyrdom on December 15, 1952.
His sacrifice compelled the Government of India to create Andhra State in 1953 — the first state in India formed based on language. More significantly, his legacy triggered the States Reorganization Act of 1956, which reorganized all of India’s states along linguistic lines. Every Indian state that exists on a linguistic basis today owes its existence, in some measure, to the sacrifice of Sri Potti Sree Ramulu Garu.
That his memorial stands in Amaravati — a city being built as the proud new capital of Andhra Pradesh — creates a deeply symbolic and fitting tribute to the man who made Telugu statehood possible.
Sri Potti Sree Ramulu Memorial Complex: A Living Tribute in Amaravati
In recognition of Amarajeevi Sri Potti Sree Ramulu Garu ‘s immeasurable contribution to the Telugu people, the State Government of Andhra Pradesh has allocated 6.8 acres of prime land in Amaravati for a world-class memorial complex. The Potti Sree Ramulu Memorial Trust is developing this site to include:
- A 58-foot bronze statue titled ‘Statue of Sacrifice’ — the height symbolizing the 58 days of his historic fast
- A memorial library dedicated to preserving Telugu history and Sri Potti Sree Ramulu Garu ‘s legacy
- A skill development center to empower the youth of Andhra Pradesh
- A community hall for cultural and public gatherings
- A beautifully landscaped public park open to all citizens
From Foundation Stone to Statue: 120 Days of Extraordinary Achievement
The foundation stone for this historic memorial was laid by Sri Nara Lokesh garu on September 3, 2025 — a milestone I had the privilege of witnessing and documenting in my earlier blog post. What followed was a remarkable display of dedication and craftsmanship.
Under the tireless leadership of Managing Trustee Sri Doondi Rakesh Garu, the 58-foot bronze statue was completed in a record time of just 120 days — a truly extraordinary achievement that reflects the spirit of dedication Sri Potti Sree Ramulu Garu himself embodied. The team that made this possible includes:
- KPC Constructions — Sri Anil garu, who led construction with precision and speed
- Prakash Arts — Sri Subba Rao garu, the artistic genius behind the bronze statue
- Vega Jewelers — Sri Naveen garu (Vanama Naveen Kumar), Founder Trustee whose generous support was invaluable
- Sri Sudheer Simhadri garu, for his unwavering commitment throughout
- Sri Gangadhar Desu (Rao G. Desu), Founder Trustee
Chief Minister Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu — Chief Guest of the Inauguration
As the executive head of the Government of Andhra Pradesh and a leader with a deep commitment to the state’s cultural heritage, Chief Minister Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu was our first and most significant invitee. Managing Trustee Sri Doondi Rakesh garu personally met the Chief Minister at his Chamber in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly in Amaravati and formally extended the invitation.
Chief Minister Sri Chandrababu Naidu has graciously confirmed his presence as the Chief Guest for the inauguration on March 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM. His presence will add immense historical weight to this occasion and honor the legacy of Amarajeevi Sri Potti Sree Ramulu Garu in the most fitting way possible.
The delegation that accompanied Sri Doondi Rakesh garu to present the invitation included Sri Anil Garu (KPC Constructions), Sri Subba Rao Garu (Prakash Arts), Sri Naveen Garu (Vega Jewelers), Sri Sudheer Simhadri Garu, and myself — Rao G. Desu.
March 16, 2026 : A Historic Day for Telugu People Everywhere
The inauguration of the Potti Sree Ramulu ‘Unity of Sacrifice’ statue on March 16, 2026, in Amaravati will be a landmark moment in Telugu history. With Chief Minister Sri Chandrababu Naidu Garu as Chief Guest and the Governor of Andhra Pradesh in attendance, the event will be a fitting tribute to a man who gave his life so that Telugu people could have a state of their own.
That this statue stands 58 feet tall — one foot for every day of his fast — and was built in 120 days is itself a statement of the urgency and devotion with which the Telugu community honors his memory. I am deeply grateful to have played a role in this historic effort as a Founder Trustee of the Potti Sree Ramulu Memorial Trust.
🙏 Jai Potti Sree Ramulu! | Jai Andhra Pradesh! 🙏| Jai Hind 🙏