Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu: An Incorruptible Politician, Brave Freedom Fighter

Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu, popularly known as Andhra Kesari, is known as the most incorruptible politician. He was a jurist, freedom fighter, social reformer who gave away all what he earned to the poor.

Born into a very poor Brahmin family on August 23, 1872, Prakasam Pantulu became the first chief minister of Andhra state, the first state to be formed on linguistic basis. Later, he played a prominent role in the formation of Andhra Pradesh.

He attained the title Andhra Kesari after bravely standing at gunpoint during a protest against the Simon Commission in Madras.

Having lost his father at a very young age of 11 years, his mother took up the responsibility of earning for the family. Without sufficient income, Praksam used to have lunch at the houses of wealthy people.

He was born in Guntur district, but the family moved to Rajahmundry after the death of his father.

Though he was interested in theatre, he studied law and went to England in 1904 to pursue for higher education and became a barrister.

Returning to India, he practised law for sometime and gained popularity for criminal cases after he argued the Ash Murder Case.

He earned well by practising law, but he left the profession and worked as the editor of Swarajya which was published in English, Telugu and Tamil languages simultaneously. He also ran a national-level school and a khadi production unit.

In 1921, he entered politics by getting elected as the president of the Andhra Region Congress Committee.

In 1928, the Simon Commission did not allow protests in Madras. However, crowds gathered at the Madras High Court near Paris Corner and when the police opened fire to quell the mob, a youth named Parthasarthi died.

The cops warned that anybody who would get near the body would also be shot but Prakasam tore his shirt and stood in front of the gun with his bare chest and dared the cops.

His political life had several milestones -- he got elected as the chief minister of Madras on April 30, 1946. However, he remained as the CM only for 13 months.

Setting aside his personal security, Prakasam met Razakar leader Qasim Rizvi in 1948 and warned him. Praising his bravery, the Razakars even bowed down to him in honour.

On October 1, 1953, after Potti Sriramulu died staging indefinite hunger strike, Prakasam was nominated as the first chief minister of separate Andhra state. Though his services as the CM was remarkable, he could not continue in the position for more than 14 months. He quit active politics and passed away on May 20, 1957.

He wrote his autobiography titled "The Journey of My Life". He was born poor but earned good money by practising law. However, he gave away all his money for the society and died poor. Surprisingly, his son worked as an attender in a college established in Andhra Kesari's name in Rajahmundry.