Date:15/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/15/stories/2008081553200200.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Vignettes of freedom struggle in Krishna

PHOTO: RAJU V.

JAI HIND!: A child getting a feel of the tri-colour in Vijayawada. —

The story of freedom struggle in the country continues to inspire generations to come. On the Independence Day, it is worthwhile to take a look at a few aspects of Indian National Movement in Krishna district.

Krishna district, more particularly Krishna Taluk, which then included parts of the present day districts of Guntur, West Godavari and Prakasam, played an important role in the national movement. Machilipatnam, the present district headquarters, which was then referred to as Bandar, was an important town.

Krishna Patrika, which played an unforgettable role in spreading the message of national leaders, was founded by the Krishna District Association in 1902. Swarajya, a weekly, was published from Bezwada from 1908.

The spirit of Swarajya was sown amongst weavers of Pedana, Mallanolu, Chintaguntapalem and Kappaladoddi by the likes of Mutnuri Krishna Rao and Puranam Venkatappayya on behalf of the Krishna District Association, when they encouraged the weavers to use powerlooms in place of handlooms.

The Vandemataram movement launched across the country against division of Bengal in 1905 reinforced the feeling of nationalism amongst people of Krishna district as well. On the invitation of Mutnuri Krishna Rao, eminent national leader Bipin Chandra Pal visited Bezwada and Bandar and addressed several meetings. Worried by the feelings of nationalism that the speeches aroused among people, the British rulers initiated several draconian steps, including arrest of a large number of people.

This was followed by visits by several other national stalwarts and the people of Krishna district joined in every important national struggle.

Mahatma Gandhi made his first visit to the district in April 1919 when he came to Bezwada to mobilise people against Rowlett Act.

He addressed a massive public meeting in Rammohan Public Library, which was translated into Telugu by Ayyadevara Kaleswara Rao.

Historic moment

Gandhiji made subsequent visits to the district at least three times, and the most historic one was for the session of the Indian National Congress in Bezwada on March 31 and April 1, 1921, when Pingali Venkaiah proposed a design for the national flag.