The district administration on Sunday (August 23, 2026) marked the 155th birth anniversary of freedom fighter and first Chief Minister of Andhra State Tanguturi Prakasam by felicitating his great grandson Tanguturi Santosh Kumar, presently working as Deputy Tahsildar at the Collectorate, at Prakasam Bhavan in Ongole.

In an exclusive interaction with The Hindu, Tanguturi Santosh Kumar revealed his plans to author a biography of his great-grandfather, narrating a series of memorable incidents that are lesser-known to the public, along with a rare collection of his unpublished photographs, which have so far been confined to family members. He aims to remind new generations of the journey of ‘Prakasam Panthulu.’

He further stated, “Along with his own house, ‘Andhra Kesari’ (Lion of Andhra) gave away all his assets to support the independence movement. Some of his belongings have been donated by my grandparents to a museum in Hyderabad. So, we have nothing related to him except for a few photographs and his ideologies.”

Minister of Social Welfare Dr. Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, Ongole MLA Damacharla Janardhana Rao, Santhanuthalapadu MLA B.N. Vijay Kumar, Collector P. Raja Babu, and other leaders garlanded the statue of Tanguturi Prakasam and paid floral tributes. They also viewed a photo exhibition showcasing his life story.

Mr. Veeranjaneya Swamy said, “Inspired by the ideals of ‘Andhra Kesari’, the district and the State is being developed in all aspects. As a highly educated individual, a freedom fighter, a courageous person, and an outstanding administrator, he is worthy of emulation. I urge today’s youth to look up to him as a role model and strive to reach great heights.”

Collector Raja Babu said, “Prakasam Pantulu serves as an inspiring role model for all of us in overcoming adversity to achieve one’s life goals. He distinguished himself during his student days, throughout the freedom struggle, and while serving as the Chief Minister of the Andhra State.”

Mr. Janardhana Rao emphasised on accelerating development works in Ongole, by drawing inspiration from Prakasam Pantulu. He said that a ‘Salt Satyagraha Victory Monument’ and a park have been developed at Devarampadu. He further recalled that Prakasam district was named after him.

Published - August 23, 2026 07:35 pm IST