Burgula Ramakrishna Rao

 

 

Questions: Burgula Ramakrishna Rao

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Early Life and Education.              www.osmanian.com

Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, a towering figure in the political and intellectual history of Hyderabad and Telangana, was born on 13th March 1899 into a family rooted in traditional values. Originally bearing the surname Pullam Raju, his identity evolved over time due to the prominence of his native village near Kalvakurthi, which eventually gave rise to the surname "Burgula." His parents, Narsinaga Rao and Ranganayakamma, nurtured him in a disciplined and scholarly environment that laid the foundation for his illustrious career in public life.

He began his early education at Dharmapanth School in Hyderabad, an institution known for shaping many future leaders of the region. He exhibited a keen intellect from a young age and pursued further studies with determination. Remarkably, he completed his matriculation in 1915, although there seems to be an erroneous mention of 1951 in some records, which does not align with his subsequent career timeline. After high school, he joined Fergusson College in Pune, a leading institution of nationalist learning during the pre-independence era. There, he completed his B.A. Honours, sharpening his analytical and debating skills. He later pursued law (LLB) from Bombay University, equipping himself for a legal career that would soon catapult him into political activism and public service.

Legal Career and Political Mentorship

Ramakrishna Rao began practicing law in 1923, quickly gaining recognition for his sharp legal mind, persuasive arguments, and deep understanding of jurisprudence. His courtroom eloquence and integrity made him a leading lawyer in Hyderabad. Significantly, during his years of legal practice, he mentored many young talents, including P.V. Narasimha Rao, who would later rise to become the Prime Minister of India. This mentor-mentee relationship underscored his influence on the future leadership of the country.

Beyond courtrooms, Ramakrishna Rao also engaged in intellectual and literary circles, cementing his status as a scholar and reformer. His involvement in Grandhalaya Udyamam (Library Movement) and Andhrodhyamam (Andhra Movement) demonstrated his belief in the power of knowledge and regional identity. His contributions to Sri Krishnadevaraya Andhra Bhasha Nilayam, one of the oldest libraries and cultural institutions of Hyderabad, were immense. As both President and General Secretary of the institution, he collaborated with other contemporary luminaries like Madapati Hanumantha Rao and Suravaram Pratap Reddy in the promotion of Telugu language and literature.

Political Awakening and Role in Hyderabad State Congress

Ramakrishna Rao was among the visionary leaders who recognized the need for a structured political movement within the princely state of Hyderabad. At a time when the region was under the autocratic rule of the Nizam, with limited civil liberties and no democratic governance, he was one of the earliest founders of the Hyderabad State Congress. This organization sought to awaken political consciousness among the people of the state and align Hyderabad’s future with the larger Indian nationalist movement.

As an active member, he organized and led numerous political agitations demanding democratic rights, responsible governance, and integration with the Indian Union. His leadership skills came to the fore when he presided over the Second Andhra Mahasabha Conference held in Devarakonda in 1931. This conference was a watershed moment in Telangana’s socio-political history, rallying intellectuals, activists, and reformers under one platform to demand socio-political reforms in the region. .              www.osmanian.com

Participation in National Movements and Imprisonment

Ramakrishna Rao’s commitment to Indian nationalism was not limited to his work within Hyderabad State. He took part in the Civil Disobedience Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi and later in the Quit India Movement of 1942, both of which were crucial phases in the Indian freedom struggle. His participation in these movements came at great personal cost. He was imprisoned multiple times, enduring physical hardship and political persecution for his ideals.

Despite being a resident of a princely state not directly under British rule, Ramakrishna Rao’s nationalist fervor connected him with the all-India political discourse. He was a firm believer that Hyderabad could not remain isolated from the winds of freedom blowing across the subcontinent. His jail terms only deepened his resolve and enhanced his stature among the freedom fighters of the time.

Key Role in the Merger of Hyderabad into Indian Union

After India gained independence in 1947, Hyderabad remained a thorny issue. The Nizam was reluctant to accede to India and preferred either independence or association with Pakistan, creating a volatile situation in the heart of the Indian subcontinent. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao played a critical and courageous role in facilitating Hyderabad’s integration into the Indian Union.

In 1948, when K.M. Munshi visited Hyderabad as the Agent of the Indian Government, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao met him without hesitation. This meeting was symbolically and politically important. It demonstrated that there were respected leaders within Hyderabad who supported India’s cause and were willing to stand against the Nizam’s regime.

Following the Police Action (Operation Polo) in 1948, which led to the end of Nizam’s rule, a military-civilian government was installed under Maharaja Vellodi as Chief Minister. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao was appointed as Minister for Revenue and Education, positions from which he launched a number of significant reforms. During his tenure, he was instrumental in giving legal recognition to Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan Movement, ensuring that land voluntarily donated for redistribution could be processed and allocated under legal authority. This step was crucial in promoting land equality and reducing social disparities in post-feudal Telangana.

First Chief Minister of Telangana (Hyderabad State)

In the first general elections held in the Hyderabad State (Telangana region) after the formation of the Indian Republic, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao contested from the Shadnagar constituency. He won with popular support and was chosen as the first elected Chief Minister of Hyderabad State (Telangana). His tenure from 1952 to 1956 was a pivotal chapter in regional governance, marked by transparency, developmental initiatives, and inclusive policies.

As Chief Minister, he sought to bring democratic governance and development to a region long denied its voice. He promoted education, local self-governance, rural upliftment, and social justice. His administration laid the groundwork for modern Telangana’s political structure, balancing the aspirations of various linguistic and regional groups.

Later Career as Governor and Final Days

In 1956, the Indian government initiated the States Reorganisation Act, leading to the linguistic reorganization of states. As a result, the Telangana region of Hyderabad State was merged with the Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh. This political transformation brought an end to his term as Chief Minister. Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy became the Chief Minister of the newly formed Andhra Pradesh. .              www.osmanian.com

Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, however, was not left without a role. His administrative capabilities and nationalist credentials earned him the prestigious appointment as Governor of Kerala, one of India’s most politically aware and active states. During his tenure as Governor, he was known for his impartiality, strict constitutional conduct, and rapport with all political parties.

Unfortunately, his service was cut short by a sudden heart attack. On 14th September 1957, the nation lost one of its foremost political thinkers, reformers, and leaders. His death marked the end of an era in Telangana’s political evolution.

Legacy and Contributions

Burgula Ramakrishna Rao’s contributions transcend electoral politics. He was a visionary, an educator, a constitutionalist, and above all, a committed democrat. His leadership during turbulent times helped smooth Hyderabad's transition from princely autocracy to democratic integration. He firmly believed in non-violence, education, civil liberties, and grassroots empowerment.

His role in library development, literary movements, and legal mentoring enriched the cultural and intellectual life of Hyderabad. His land reforms, support to Vinoba Bhave’s movement, and promotion of Telugu identity made him a forerunner of Telangana consciousness long before it became a political demand.