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Potti Sriramulu: The Martyr Who Paved the Way for Linguistic States in India
Potti Sriramulu (1901–1952), remembered as one of India’s most significant freedom fighters, played a decisive role in shaping the country’s linguistic and federal framework. His sacrifice, through a historic fast unto death, directly led to the creation of Andhra State, setting a precedent for the reorganization of Indian states along linguistic lines. Born on 16 March 1901 in Madras Presidency (now Andhra Pradesh), Sriramulu pursued his education in engineering before joining the freedom struggle under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi. A follower of Gandhian principles, he actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha, Quit India Movement, and other campaigns against colonial rule. While his role in the independence struggle is widely…