Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, originally named Pullamraju Ramakrishna Rao, was a distinguished leader, lawyer, and freedom fighter. He was born on March 13, 1899, in Padakal village near Kalwakurthy, in a Telugu Brahmin family. His early education was at Dharmavant School in Hyderabad, and he later pursued a BA Honours from Ferguson College, Pune. He then studied law at Bombay University, which laid the foundation for his legal and political career.
Political and Administrative Career
After briefly practicing law in Hyderabad in 1923, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao became actively involved in the freedom struggle against the Nizam’s rule and other national movements. His leadership was evident when he served as the president of the Second Andhra Mahasabha in Devarakonda in 1931. He played a crucial role in the Quit India Movement and was arrested in 1942 for his resistance against British rule.
His most notable political achievement was serving as the first elected Chief Minister of Hyderabad from March 6, 1952, to November 1, 1956. His tenure was instrumental in integrating Hyderabad into the Indian Union and addressing the socio-political challenges of the region. Following this, he was appointed as the Governor of Kerala (1956-1960) and later as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh (1960-1962). He continued his public service as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1962 to 1966.
Honors and Literary Contributions
Burgula Ramakrishna Rao’s contributions extended beyond politics into the fields of literature and education. He was honored with a Doctorate in Literature from Andhra University in 1953 and a Doctorate in Law from Osmania University in 1956.
His literary works include Sri Krishna Shatakam, Saaraswatha Vyasa Muktavali, and Karma Kankanam. He also contributed to translations, converting Lahari Panchakam into Pandita Panchamrutham and Shankaracharya’s Soundaryalahari into Kanakadharastavam. He translated Parsi Vagmaya Charitra into Telugu and provided forewords for several prominent Telugu literary works, including Dasharathi’s Galib Geethaalu.
Burgula Ramakrishna Rao remains an influential figure in the history of Telangana and Hyderabad, known for his role in governance, literature, and the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union.