By Our Special Correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon the people to build a New India that reflects the dreams of the freedom fighters and one that ensures equal opportunities to all sections. "Our new India should be an India in which the poor, farmers, laborers, backward, tribals and all have equal opportunities," he said.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of the legendary freedom fighter, Alluri Sitarama Raju.
Modi virtually unveiled a 30ft bronze statue of the tribal leader as part of the celebrations and later addressed an impressive crowd at Pedda Amiram three kilometers from Bhimvaram.
"As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Independence, the responsibility is on every citizen to fulfill the dreams of the freedom fighters.”The fight for freedom is not the history of a few years, a few regions or some people. This is the history of every nook and corner of the country, the history of sacrifices and martyrdom of people of all corners," Modi said.
Governor Biswabhushan Harichandan, AP Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Union Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy, former Union Minister and actor Chiranjeevi, State Culture Minister RK Roja and senior BJP leader D. Purandeshwari attended the event. Although Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan said that Kishan Reddy had a special invitation, he did not attend the event.
"Now there are new ideas and new opportunities. The youth are now taking the responsibility on their shoulders and taking the country forward," he added. Paying tribute to Alluri, known as "Manyam Veerudu" (Forest Hero), Modi pointed out that the legendary freedom fighter symbolized "Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat" (One Nation, Best Nation). He said that Alluri Sitaramaraj's journey from birth to martyrdom is an inspiration for all of us; he dedicated his life for the rights of tribal’s and the freedom of the country.
He recalled that 1922 was the centenary of the Rampa rebellion led by Alluri. Modi said that Alluri's birth place Pandrangi village, Chintapalli police station where he had attacked first will be restored and construction of Alluri's meditation hall will be taken up in Mogallu village. He said that a museum is being constructed in Lambasinghi for Alluri and other tribal warriors.
The Prime Minister announced that the Chintapalli Police Station would be modernized and a research center would be set up in Visakhapatnam. The cost will be borne by the Centre. Modi said that he is paying tribute to Andhra Pradesh, which has a rich heritage. The program reflected the Centre's pledge to make everyone aware of the valor of our country's freedom fighters.
The Prime Minister said programs like Skill India Mission and Tribal Art are gaining new recognition, while 'Vocal for Local' is generating income for community members. He said the government had changed decades-old laws that prevented tribal’s from cutting down forest products like bamboo and gave them rights over them. He also honored Sitaramaraj's nephew and Alluri's close friend Malludora's grandson Bodidora.
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