Damodaram Sanjeevaiah

A Champion of Social Justice

Damodaram Sanjeevaiah was a distinguished parliamentarian and mass leader devoted to the upliftment of the downtrodden. Born on 14 February 1921 in Pedapadu village of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, to Shri Muneaiah and Smt. Sunkulamma, he rose from humble beginnings to occupy some of the highest offices in public life.

He completed his primary education in his native village before moving to Kurnool Municipal High School. In 1942, he graduated from the Arts College, Anantapur, and later obtained a degree in law from Madras. After a brief period of legal practice, he chose to dedicate himself to public service. On 7 May 1954, he married Smt. Krishnaveni.

Early Political Career

Sanjeevaiah’s long and illustrious political journey began in 1950 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament. In the 1952 General Elections, he was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly from Pathikonda constituency. The then Chief Minister of Madras, C. Rajagopalachari, inducted him into the cabinet as Minister for Housing and Cooperation.

Following the creation of Andhra State in 1953, he joined the government led by Tanguturi Prakasam, serving as Minister for Social Welfare, Rehabilitation, Planning, and Public Health. After winning the 1955 mid-term elections from Yemmiganur constituency, he was appointed Minister for Transportation and Commercial Taxes by Chief Minister Bezawada Gopala Reddy.

When Neelam Sanjiva Reddy assumed office as Chief Minister in 1956, Sanjeevaiah was entrusted with the Labour and Local Bodies Administration portfolios.

Chief Minister and National Leadership

In 1960, upon Neelam Sanjiva Reddy’s election as President of the All India Congress Committee, Sanjeevaiah succeeded him as the fourth Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, assuming office on 11 January 1960. He served until March 1962 and was subsequently elected from Kodumuru constituency. In June 1962, he became President of the All India Congress Committee, reflecting his stature within national politics.

Sanjeevaiah had the rare distinction of serving under three Prime Ministers of India. In 1964, he joined the Union Cabinet as Labour Minister under Jawaharlal Nehru. He continued in the same role under Lal Bahadur Shastri after Nehru’s demise. Later, from February 1970 to March 1971, he served in the cabinet of Indira Gandhi.

In 1972, he was elected for the second time as President of the All India Congress Committee—an acknowledgment of his enduring leadership and commitment to democratic values.

Legacy and Commemoration

On 8 May 1972, Damodaram Sanjeevaiah passed away after a lifetime dedicated to public service and social justice. His journey from a modest rural background to the highest echelons of governance remains an inspiring testament to perseverance, integrity, and commitment to the marginalized sections of society.

To honour his invaluable contributions to the nation, the Department of Posts has issued a commemorative postage stamp on Shri Damodaram Sanjeevaiah, celebrating his legacy as a statesman and champion of social upliftment.