Bulusu Sambamurti

Bulusu Sambamurthy (4 March 1886 – 2 February 1958) was an Indian lawyer, politician, and freedom fighter who played a key role in the Indian independence movement. He served as the President of the Madras Legislative Council from 1937 to 1942. Sambamurthy was also an advocate for the Andhra movement, which sought the creation of a separate Telugu-speaking state. He is often referred to by the honorific title of Maharshi Bulusu Sambamurthy for his wisdom and austere lifestyle.

Early life Sambamurthy was born on 4 March 1886 in a Telugu Vaidiki Velanadu Brahmin family in Dulla, East Godavari district, Madras Presidency. He soon gained recognition as a prominent criminal lawyer, handling cases in Kakinada, Peddapuram, and Rajahmundry.

Sambamurthy adopted Gandhian principles and ways of life. In 1923, he became a member of the organizing committee of the Kakinada session of the Indian National Congress. He became one of the first leaders to demand Purna Swaraj (complete independence).

In 1930, Sambamurthy participated in the Salt Satyagraha at Chollangi, near Kakinada, and was arrested on 18 April 1930. He was imprisoned in Vellore Central Jail. In the 1937 Madras Presidency legislative assembly election, Sambamurthy successfully ran for office as a member of the Indian National Congress. He was subsequently appointed as President of the Madras Legislative Council, a position he held from 1937 to 1942. He resigned from the role in support of the Quit India Movement.

Andhra movement Sambamurthy was an ardent supporter of the Andhra movement, which called for the creation of a separate Telugu province. In 1952, during Potti Sreeramulu's fast unto death for the formation of Andhra, Sambamurthy offered his residence to Sreeramulu, showing his commitment to the cause. Despite his support, he did not receive the same recognition as others who later benefited from Sreeramulu's efforts.

Legacy A street in Kakinada was named after him as Sambamurthy Nagar. In 2008, the Government of India issued a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Bulusu Sambamurthy.