Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya (1880-1959)

Freedom Fighter, Congress President, and National Leader

Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya was a prominent freedom fighter, senior leader of the Indian National Congress, historian, institution builder, and former Governor of Madhya Pradesh. He played a vital role in India’s independence movement and contributed significantly to education, journalism, banking, and public life.

Born on 24 November 1880 in Gundugolanu, Dr. Pattabhi rose from humble beginnings through determination, scholarship, and hard work.

Early Life and Education

Born into poverty, Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya completed his education with the help of scholarships.

He earned:

• B.A. from Madras Christian College
• M.B.C.M. medical degree

He later started medical practice in Machilipatnam. However, he eventually gave up his successful career as a doctor to participate fully in the national movement.

Contributions to Education and Journalism

Dr. Pattabhi established Andhra Jateeya Kalasala in 1910.

He also served as editor of Krishna Patrika from 1908 to 1911.

In 1919, he launched the English journal Janmabhoomi to promote Gandhian ideals.

His journalistic skill gained national recognition, and Motilal Nehru invited him to edit The Independent from Prayagraj.

Founder of Andhra Bank and Institutions of Self-Reliance

One of his most lasting achievements was founding Andhra Bank on 28 November 1923, with the goal of supporting farmers and local economic development.

He also established several other institutions promoting self-reliance:

• Krishna Cooperative Central Bank (1915)
• Andhra Insurance Company (1925)
• Vadlamannadu Land Mortgage Bank (1927)
• Bharat Laxmi Bank Ltd. (1929)
• Hindustan Ideal Insurance Company (1935)

Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

Dr. Pattabhi was imprisoned for around seven years during different phases of the national movement, including:

• Salt Satyagraha
• Civil Disobedience Movement (1932)
• Individual Satyagraha
• Quit India Movement

1939 Tripuri Congress Session

A notable political moment in his career came during the Tripuri Session of the Indian National Congress.

Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya contested the presidential election of the Congress in 1939 as the candidate supported by Mahatma Gandhi. He was defeated by Subhas Chandra Bose, making the election one of the most significant internal contests in Congress history.

Author and Historian

He wrote several books, the most famous being:

• History of the Indian National Congress

This book remains an important historical account of the freedom movement.

Role in Independent India

Dr. Pattabhi served in key national institutions, including:

• Constituent Assembly of India
• Rules Committee
• Union Powers Committee
• Provincial Constitution Committee

He was elected President of the Indian National Congress in 1948.

Later, he served as Governor of Madhya Pradesh from 1952 to 1957.

Tribute by Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Rajendra Prasad praised his intellect, memory, historical knowledge, and commitment to Gandhian programmes such as:

• Charkha movement
• Basic education
• Organizing people’s movements in princely states

He described Dr. Pattabhi as one of the foremost leaders of the nation.

Death and Legacy

After public life, Dr. Pattabhi settled in Hyderabad, where he passed away on 17 December 1959.

He is remembered as a patriot, institution builder, scholar, and influential Congress leader.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

The Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp on the death anniversary of Dr. B. Pattabhi Sitaramayya to honor his contribution to India’s freedom movement and national development.