The Story of Vande Mataram Ramachandra Rao: A Hero of Telangana's Freedom Struggle
Early Life and Background
Ramachandra Rao, famously known as “Vande Mataram Ramachandra Rao,” was born on April 25, 1918, in Kyathoor, a village in Alampur Mandal. He was the second child of Gadwal Ramadasu and Lakshmamma. His father worked as a letter writer for Janakamma, the sister of the ruler of Gadwal, Sitaram Bhupal. The family lived in Kunta Street, Gadwal.
Ramachandra Rao, along with his brother Veerabhadra Rao and cousin Sivashankar, pursued his early education at a local school in Gadwal. Later, he moved to Hyderabad for higher education. During his time in Hyderabad, he stayed at the Maharani Adilakshmi Devamma Bungalow in Nampally and associated with freedom fighter Pagapulla Reddy, who later joined the Congress. However, the Rao brothers aligned themselves with the Hindu Mahasabha and Arya Samaj movements.
Birth of “Vande Mataram” Ramachandra Rao
In 1939, during the Satyagraha movement against the oppressive Nizam rule, Ramachandra Rao took an active role and was eventually imprisoned. While in jail, a key incident shaped his identity. The prisoners, including Rao, would sing “Vande Mataram” daily. However, the jail superintendent banned this practice.
When confronted, Ramachandra Rao boldly declared that as long as they were in jail, it was their home, and they would continue to offer prayers to their motherland by singing “Vande Mataram.” As punishment for his defiance, Rao was lashed 24 times. With every lash, he shouted “Vande Mataram” until he fainted. This act of bravery earned him the title “Vande Mataram Ramachandra Rao,” a name he carried with pride for the rest of his life.
Role in the Hyderabad State Struggle
Ramachandra Rao was also an active participant in the Quit India Movement in 1942, which led to another stint in jail. Later, in 1947, as the people’s movement in the Nizam’s state gained momentum, Rao played a crucial role. He worked underground, gathering military intelligence from the Nizam’s forces and passing it to K.M. Munshi, who was India’s agent-general in Hyderabad.
Due to his actions, the Nizam government charged Rao with treason, and his trials took place in Chanchalguda Central Jail, a testament to the threat he posed to the regime.
Political Career in Unified Andhra Pradesh
After independence, Ramachandra Rao entered politics. He contested as an independent candidate in the 1957, 1962, and 1967 general elections from the Vikarabad constituency in Rangareddy district. He won all three times. During his tenure, he exposed the corruption of two ministers, V.B. Raju and Marri Chenna Reddy, leading to the cancellation of their assembly memberships.
In 1967, Rao defeated the then Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Ranga Reddy in a historic election. He was also a fervent supporter of the demand for a separate Telangana state. As a skilled orator in Hindi, Telugu, and Urdu, he served as the president of the Andhra Pradesh Official Language Committee from 1978 to 1981 and worked tirelessly to promote the use of Telugu in government offices.
Gadwal and His Legacy
Ramachandra Rao and his brother transformed their home in Kunta Street, Gadwal, into a center of social activity. They established a gymnasium to train local youth in self-defense and held regular Bhagavad Gita readings. Known for their captivating speeches, they emphasized physical fitness and patriotism. Even after settling in Hyderabad, the brothers maintained close ties with Gadwal, participating in local events such as the annual Satyamurthy Swamy Rath Yatra during the Gadwal Jatara festival.
Conclusion
Ramachandra Rao’s life is a story of determination, courage, and service to the nation. Born into a humble family, he rose to prominence as a freedom fighter and political leader. Despite his success, he lived a simple life, embodying the values he fought for. He passed away on November 28, 2001, at the age of 89. Today, his family continues to run a Marathi high school in Hyderabad, keeping his legacy alive.
Remembering and honoring the contributions of Vande Mataram Ramachandra Rao is a responsibility for both the Telangana government and the people of Jogulamba Gadwal district. His life remains an inspiration for generations to come.
