Centre of Alluri Sita Rama Raju, History and Tribal Studies, AU

PROFILE

The “Centre of Alluri Sita Rama Raju, History and Tribal Studies” was established by Andhra University in Jan. 2016. Prof. G. Jai Kishan,Dept. of Anthropology, was appointed as Director of the Center. Sri K. Satynarayana, Additional SP, Viskhapatnam, was instrumental in this pursuit. He is having lot of interest and information regarding Alluri. At present the Director of the Centre is Prof. V.Vijay Lakshmi, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar College of Law, who was appointed in May, 2019.The Centre is shifted to an independent venue, opposite to Research Scholar’s Hostel, near State Bank, South Campus.The present Directed pursued the Honorable Vice Chancellor to allot a small place for erecting the statue( bust) of Alluri. The request is kindly conceded by the Vice Chancellor, and small bit on the south of the Centre is allotted. The ‘Utsav Committee’ of Alluri, promised to provide the statue.With the help of generous contributions, the Centre could procure the Statute. It is installed on 04-07-2022 by Honorable Vice Chancellor Prof. P.V.G.D. Prasad Reddy. Although the Centre aspiring to conduct many academic programs, but due to the pandemic not much could be done. A request is placed before the VC and the Registrar to allocate funds. Another important aspect which the Director is trying is to get the Centre recognized by UGC, so that it can start any certificate or diploma course. The Vice Chancellor and the Registrar during the Birth anniversary of Alluri, this year, asked to put a proposal for recognition. This will be shortly done.

Objectives of the Centre:

• To record the life history of Alluri Sita Rama Raju and his contribution to Indian Freedom movement and the welfare of the Tribal Community.

• To know the indigenous knowledge of tribal people of Andhra Pradesh.

• To assess the impact of Govt. welfare and development programmes on Tribal communities and their levels of developments

• To take up intervention and participatory Action and Research Programs for the benefit of the tribal people

• To search for sustainable livelihoods and sustainable development of tribes Andhra Pradesh

• To formulate certain development policies and programs afresh for the upliftment of tribals

• To trace out the causes for displacement and rehabilitation of the tribes and suggest the measures for providing alternative livelihoods to them in order to sustain at the rehabilitation centre.

Alluri Sita Rama Raju:

Alluri Sita Rama Raju. Alluri who is also addressed as ‘aggi – pidugu’ or ‘manyamveerudu’ is not just a freedom fighter but also a person known for his courage, sacrifice and a person with a dream. He was very much moved with the suffering of tribal people. Born in 1897 on 4th July in Pandrangi village, Bheemunipatnam, to Alluri Venkata Ramana and Suryanarayana. His uncle,Rama Chandra Raju, took him to Narsapur. He studies upto 9th Class. Right form the childhood, his aim was to fight against the British system and protect the indigenous people. He participated in the campaigns in the East Godavari and Visakhapatnam in 1921. When the Forest Laws were passed by The BritishGovt. whereby the tribals were prohibited from entering the forest and collect the forest produce and practise farming, Alluri got agitated with this. He along with some tribal support formed group. He not only was in a way to protest the British Govt. but his aim was to create social and political awareness among the people. His style of attack was different. British, Government found it difficult to deal with him. They formed a special Police group. He was taken into custody and was shot dead in the forest on 7th May, 1924. The sacrifice he has made towards the freedom struggles is beyond description. He left indelible impression in the society. He became a role model for many. Let us pay our heart full tribute to this great soul of Mother – India. Govt. of Andhra Pradesh celebrates his birth-day as State festival. Central Govt. has issued a Stamp in 1986 in his respect.