Honouring Freedom Fighters and Alluri Sitarama Raju, Andhra Pradesh TDP MP Says India Progresses When Every Citizen Moves Forward Together
New Delhi: Only weeks after taking the oath as a Rajya Sabha member while draped in Andhra Pradesh’s GI-tagged Mangalagiri handloom shawl—a symbolic gesture honouring nearly 5,000 weaving families—TDP MP Chintakayala Vijay once again captured national attention with an impassioned speech that wove together history, patriotism and the importance of national unity.
Addressing the House during the Monsoon Session, the first-time parliamentarian said Vande Mataram is far more than a patriotic slogan. He described it as the enduring spirit of India’s freedom movement and a timeless reminder of the sacrifices that laid the foundation of the nation.
“India is the symbol of our democracy. India is our collective voice. It is not merely a country, but a living legacy of sacrifice. It is not just a piece of land; it is an eternal civilisation,” Vijay told the Rajya Sabha.
Reflecting on the legacy of Vande Mataram, he traced its journey from Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s iconic composition to its emergence as a powerful anthem of India’s independence movement. He paid tribute to Khudiram Bose, who embraced the gallows at the age of 18 chanting Vande Mataram; Veer Savarkar, who remained steadfast despite the brutal hardships of the Cellular Jail; and Chandrashekhar Azad, who chose martyrdom over surrender. Vijay said these sacrifices continue to inspire India’s national consciousness and collective identity.
Highlighting the contribution of his home state, Vijay honoured Alluri Sitarama Raju, the legendary tribal leader remembered for his role in the Rampa Rebellion against British rule. Recounting the freedom fighter’s execution after being tied to a tree, he said Alluri’s unwavering commitment to the nation remained intact until his final moments. Vijay also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recently paying tribute to Alluri in Andhra Pradesh, saying the recognition reflected the nation’s respect for one of its greatest freedom fighters.
Referring to the words of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Vijay said India’s greatest strength lies in unity and shared purpose. “A nation does not grow when it is divided; it grows when all its people rise together,” he said, adding that this spirit embodies the true character of Bharat and reinforces democratic values above political differences.
He further thanked Prime Minister Modi for strengthening the place of Vande Mataram in the national consciousness and appreciated the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh for their efforts to preserve Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage while encouraging national unity.
Representing a younger generation of leaders at the age of 41, Chintakayala Vijay has consistently sought to bridge regional identity with national priorities. Whether honouring Andhra Pradesh’s weaving community through the Mangalagiri handloom shawl or highlighting the legacy of India’s freedom movement in Parliament, his focus has remained on giving greater voice to farmers, artisans, youth, entrepreneurs and ordinary citizens in the policymaking process.
