Chowdary Satyanarayana

Chowdary Satyanarayana (July 13, 1908 – July 15, 1981), also known as Jananayaka Chowdary Satyanarayana was an Indian freedom fighter, anti-colonial nationalist, politician, legislator in Andhra Pradesh Assembly (1955–62, 1967–72) and a civil rights activist.

Born and raised in a Hindu Zamindar family who belongs to Kalinga community, was from Srikakulam, a coastal district in Andhra Pradesh.

He was well known as Cycle MLA in Srikakulam district as he used only cycle to commute even when he was serving as the Member of Legislative Assembly, Andhra Pradesh and always led a simple life.

He was born on July 13, 1908, to Chowdari Purushottama Naidu and Narayanamma as their second child in Sher Mohammad Puram (SM Puram) village of Ganjam District (now in Srikakulam District) of erstwhile Madras province.

He belongs to 'Kalinga' community and was born into a rich zamindar family

His early education was done in the native village SM Puram.

He studied in Srikakulam Municipal High School (now NTR Municipal High School) from 1st form to 4th form.

He married Saraswatamma, daughter of Boddepalli Rammurthy Naidu & Lakshmamma of Kanugulavalasa village, Amadalavalasa Mandal when he was just eight years old.

Satyanarayana & Saraswatamma had 9 children.

Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose he took part in freedom movement and participated in Satyagrahas and protests against the colonial rule.

During his participation in freedom movement, he was put in Cuddalore, Kannanur, Rajahmundry central jails at different times.

Though he was born in a zamindar family, he fought against the zamindari system.

He served as Member of Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh twice for a cumulative period of 12 years.

All Telugu speaking people in Madras State demanded for a separate state.

Potti Sreeramulu started fast unto death demanding a new state.

Chowdari Satyanarayana conducted protests and rallies in Srikakulam demanding a separate state.

The then state government implemented prohibition in Andhra State.

As a result, the poor toddy tappers were left unemployed across the state.

Geetha Satyagraha was launched in 1954 demanding to allow tapping toddy by the respective community as it was the only means of their livelihood.

Chowdari Satyanarayana was imprisoned for 7 months for organising the protests in Srikakulam District.

Jai Andhra movement is a 1972 political movement in support for the creation of Andhra state in the light of injustices felt by the people of the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema Regions.

This was after the HC and SC upheld the Mulki rules in existence at the time.

As an MLA, in the assembly, he demanded for an early resolution by the government.

He participated in many agitations in support of the movement.

He was put under house arrest as well as arrested by the police for taking part in the movement.

In 1974, he associated with Tarimella Nagireddy (Ideologist) and Sri Sri (Srirangam Srinivas Rao).

Organisation for Protection of Democratic Rights of the people (OPDR) was formed for Civil Rights Activism.

Chowdari Satyanarayana served as Vice President of OPDR's AP wing and as well as its Srikakulam District President until his death in 1981.

He was the pioneer of Civil Rights Activism in Srikakulam District.

He fought for the rights of the tribals and represented to Central & State Human Rights Commissions.

He was instrumental in guiding the fact-finding committee which was formed against the police tyranny on the tribals.