128th-birth-anniversary-rajnath-pays-tribute-to-alluri-raju

Marking 128th birth anniversary on Friday, 4 July, Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh paid tribute to freedom fighter Alluri Sitaram Raju, who is also known as "Manyam Veerudu" aka 'Hero of the Jungle', a title given to him for his leadership in defending tribal rights and resisting British policies. 

 

Writing in a post on X, Singh said that the freedom fighter's life of sacrifice and resistance continued to inspire generations in pursuit of justice and self-respect. 

 

"Tributes to the valiant freedom fighter Shri Alluri Sitaram Raju on his 128th birth anniversary. He led the Rampa Rebellion against British rule and stood fearlessly for the rights and dignity of tribal communities. His life of sacrifice and resistance continues to inspire generations in our pursuit of justice and self-respect," the post read.

 

The Defence Minister will also pay a visit to Hyderabad on Friday to attend the anniversary celebrations of the freedom fighter.

Tributes to the valiant freedom fighter Shri Alluri Sitaram Raju on his 128th birth anniversary. He led the Rampa Rebellion against British rule and stood fearlessly for the rights and dignity of tribal communities. His life of sacrifice and resistance continues to inspire… pic.twitter.com/kViYcooJ8m

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 4, 2025

 

Also Read: Tributes pour in for Syama Prasad Mookerjee on death anniversary

 

Who is Alluri Sitaram Raju? 

 

A prominent leader from the south, in India's struggle for freedom, Alluri Sitaram Raju is known for his role in the rebellion against British rule. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's ideas, Raju strongly believed that the British could only be overthrown through force and resistance. 

 

He resisted the imposed Forest Acts during the British rule, which curtailed the access of the tribals to lands and forests.

 

Raju was the leader of the popular Rampa Rebellion against the British. The Rampa Rebellion was a revolt of tribal communities against the enforcement of Madras Forest Act, 1882. The Act binded the tribal people on the use of forest resources and the practice of shifting cultivation. 

 

A leader of the tribal people against the British, the freedom fighter was also hailed as the country's Robin Hood for engaging in guerrilla warfare against the forces. Raju was, however, subjected to brutal torture by the British at the age of 27 on 7 May 1924.  The fighter today is known for his courage, resistance and patriotism. His leadership in the Tribal uprising against the British inspired several leaders and movements.