->Kautilya1 at 16:39, 4 December 2021

2021-12-04T16:39:22Z

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{{Use Indian English|date=July 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{infobox person
|name =Kaderbad Narasinga Rao
|image=File:Kaderbad Narasinga Rao.JPG
|other_names =Nandyal Gandhi
|birth_date=14 November 1888
|birth_place =[[Nandyal]], Madras Presidency
|birth_name =Kaderbad Narasinga Rao
|death_date ={{death date and age|df=yes|1963|6|2|1888|11|14}}
|parents =Kaderbad Venkata Subbarao, Narasamma
|children =Seven sons and two daughters including [[Kaderbad Ravindranath]]
|spouse =Adi Lakshamma
}}
'''Kaderbad Narasinga Rao''', (sometimes spelled as '''Khaderbad'''), popularly known as "Nandyal Gandhi" (14 November 1888 – 2 June 1963), was a freedom fighter from [[Andhra Pradesh]] who fought for India's independence, philanthropist, social reformer, and political leader who worked tirelessly throughout his life to uplift disadvantaged people and eradicate [[untouchability]].

Government of India brought out a special postal cover honoring him during the 75 year celebration of India's Independence.
[[File:Nandyala Gandhi-Special postal cover.jpg|thumb|Special postal cover honoring Sri Kaderbad Narasinga Rao (popularly known as Nandyal Gandhi)]]

[[File:Nandyala Gandhi-Specail postal cover-back.jpg|thumb|Special postal cover honoring Sri Kaderbad Narasinga Rao (popularly known as Nandyal Gandhi)]]

==Early life and education==
Narasinga Rao was born in [[Nandyal]] in ([[Madras Presidency]] of [[India]]) on 14 November 1888 to Sri Kaderbad Venkata Subbarao, an attorney and Smt. Narasamma. They belonged to a traditional [[Hindu]] [[Brahmin]] family.<ref>Vidwan G. Subramanya sastri, "Nandyal Gandhi: Biography of Kaderbad Narasinga Rao" (published in Telugu language, by Kaderbad Rabindranath et.al, Nandyal 2010)(Available as PDF file)</ref>

After completing his primary education in public school, he joined S.P.G High School run by Christian Missionaries. After graduating from high school, he was admitted to [[Madras Christian College]] in [[Madras]] (present day [[Chennai]]) where he completed his Intermediate studies. Influenced by the Indian freedom struggle and [[Mahatma Gandhi]], he decided not to pursue his B.A and joined politics instead.

== Philanthropy and Social Reforms ==
Though Narasinga Rao was born into a traditional Brahmin Family, he was deeply influenced by the efforts of Mahatma Gandhi to eradicate untouchability in the society.

Moved by the plight of poor people (called untouchables in those days), he strived throughout his life to integrate them into society and provide them economic opportunities and equal social status.

He ignored the threat of social boycott by fellow Brahmins and participated in "sahapankti-bhojanam" (eating along) with the down trodden untouchables. His stature, wealth, political influence, and social status gradually forced other members of his community and others to follow his reforms.

He correctly identified that the lack of opportunities for getting education was the root cause of their economic and social struggles. Poverty and hunger were the main impediments.

Using his own resources, he established a "[[Harijan]] Boys Hostel" where children of poor people were provided with room to stay, food to eat, and education. Children educated in this hostel have become doctors, engineers, lawyers, and [[Indian Administrative Service]](IAS) officers. They, their children, and their grandchildren have played, and continue to play, a critical role in Indian society.

He later established a hostel for the Harijan girls also.

He donated his own land for the construction of a Mosque in Nandyal.<ref>"Honoring the family of Philanthropist", [[Vaartha]] (Telugu newspaper), 17-September-2010</ref>

He, along with his friend and neighbour [[Gadicherla Harisarvottama Rao]] started the Library Movement. They established the "Edward Corporation Library (currently called "Victoria Reading Room") in Nandyal. He donated his land for this library<ref>Nandyal is the seed of Library Movement ([[Andhra Jyothy]] (Telugu Newspaper) 24 March 2016)</ref>

==Help to Farmers==
Although he was personally wealthy with more than 1,200 acres of agricultural land, he always helped poor farmers. Using his influence and contacts with political leaders and high officials in the administration, he started several programs that helped poor farmers. He was instrumental in getting a bridge constructed across the [[Kundu River]] that helped these farmers more easily reach their lands, even during the rainy season and floods. He was known for his unselfish nature. Thousands of Below Poverty Line("BPL") families in Nandyal received monetary benefits from him.

==Political career==
He was elected to the [[Taluka]] Board and served as the President of Atmakur (in present-day [[Kurnool]] District of Andhra Pradesh) and later Nandyal for 15 years. He also served as the Chairman of Nandyal Municipality for 14 years (from 1920 to 1934). He served as the Congress Party ([[Indian National Congress]]) President of Nandyal from 1935 to 1963 (till his death). He was elected unanimously every year.
<ref>"First Chairman of Nandyal who made Nandyal famous" ''[[Vaartha]]'' (Telugu newspaper), 15 December 2005</ref>

[[File:Kaderbad Narasinga Rao in official dress of Municipal Chairman of Nandyal, India.jpg|thumbnail|left|Kaderbad Narasinga Rao in official dress of Municipal Chairman of Nandyal, India]]

[[File:Kaderbad Narasinga Rao with Charles Philip Brown Collector of Cuddapah, India.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kaderbad Narasinga Rao with Charles Philip Brown Collector of Cuddapah, India]]

During this period, he worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people and spread education in Nandyal. In 1925, he donated four acres of prime real estate that he owned in the heart of the town for the construction of the Municipal High School. As a mark of respect, this school was renamed as "Kaderbad Narasinga Rao Memorial Municipal High School" in 2005 and his statue was unveiled in its premises by Sri [[Pendekanti Venkatasubbaiah]] former deputy Home minister, Government of India, New Delhi and former Governor of Bihar and Karnataka. Children educated in this school have occupied important positions around the world.

He was also influenced by the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and followed him in the non-violent fight against the British Rule. He was affectionately called "Nandyal Gandhi."

In 1930, when Mahatma Gandhi visited Nandyal, Narasinga Rao played host to Gandhiji in his house. He presided over a public meeting with Gandhiji and translated Gandhiji's speech into native [[Telugu language]]. These efforts inspired the people of Rayalaseema to participate in the freedom struggle.<ref>"Freedom fighters of Nandyal", [[Sakshi (newspaper)]] (Telugu), 15-August-2011</ref>

In 1937, he successfully arranged Madras State Conference, which was appreciated by Sri [[C. Rajagopalachari]], [[Premier]] of Madras.

In 1935, [[Dr. Rajendra Prasad]] visited Nandyal and held a public meeting. Narasinga Rao presided over the public meeting and translated his speech. He also hosted him in his house. Later in 1952, he visited Nandyal again as India's first President.

[[File:Kaderbad Narasinga Rao with President of India Rajendra Prasad.jpg|thumbnail|left|Kaderbad Narasinga Rao with President of India Rajendra Prasad]]

In 1952, Narasinga Rao invited the first [[Prime Minister]] of India, Pundit [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], to Nandyal and arranged a grand meeting at Nandyal Railway Station. During this meeting, he brought the problems of the people in this region to the Prime Minister's attention.<ref>"Sweet Memories of Nehru", [[Eenadu]] (Telugu newspaper), 15-April-2009</ref>
<ref>"Nehru's Links with Nandyal", [[Eenadu]] (Telugu newspaper), 14-November-2009</ref>
<ref>"We are Indians. Let us forget our religious differences and live together", Nehru's speech in public meeting at Nandyal in 1952. [[Andhra Jyothy]] (Telugu newspaper), 15-April-2006</ref>

[[File:Kaderbad Narasinga Rao with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kaderbad Narasinga Rao with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru]]

He also played host to Dr. [[Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan]] (who was later to become President of India,1962–67) and [[V. V. Giri]], (who was later to become President of India, 1969–74) when they visited Nandyal.

[[File:Kaderbad Narasinga Rao with Sanjeevayya Minister of Andhra Pradesh.jpg|thumbnail|left|Kaderbad Narasinga Rao with Sanjeevayya Minister of Andhra Pradesh]]

[[File:Residence of Kaderbad Narasinga Rao where he hosted national Leaders of India.JPG|thumbnail|right|Residence of Kaderbad Narasinga Rao where he hosted National leaders of India]]

He hosted several top national and state leaders in his house.<ref>"Shelter for freedom fighters", [[Andhra Jyothy]] (Telugu newspaper), 13-August-2014</ref> Some of these leaders included: Freedom fighter Syed Biyabani (later served as Member of Legislative Assembly); [[Kallur Subba Rao]] (freedom fighter); [[Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu]] (Chief Minister of Madras and later Andhra Pradesh); [[Tenneti Viswanadham]] (Minister of Finance); Peddireddy Timma Reddy (Minister of Agriculture); [[N. G. Ranga]] (after whom the Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University is named); [[Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya]] (Founder of [[Andhra Bank]]); S.K.Day (Minister of Local Administration). Most of these leaders were his close friends.

Along with [[Gadicherla Harisarvottama Rao]], who was his neighbor, he played an important part in the negotiations and drafting of [[Sribagh Pact]] (Sribagh Agreement). Both of them played a critical role in safeguarding the rights and also explaining it to the people of [[Rayalaseema]] and gaining their acceptance.

He mentored several Congress leaders who later became governors, ministers, and other prominent leaders. He never aspired for any other political office in government.

[[File:Nandyal Municipal High School named after Kaderbad Narsinga Rao.jpg|thumbnail|left|Nandyal Municipal High School named after Kaderbad Narsinga Rao]]

[[File:Statue of Kaderbad Narasinga Rao in Municipal High School Nandyal-2.jpg|thumbnail|right|Statue of Kaderbad Narasinga Rao in Municipal High School Nandyal]]

[[File:Statue of Kaderbad Narasinga Rao in Municipal High School in Nandyal.jpg|thumbnail|left|Statue of Kaderbad Narasinga Rao in Municipal High School in Nandyal]]

==Family==
Narasinga Rao was married to (Karanam) Adi Lakshamma. They had seven sons and two daughters who have become doctors, engineers, attorneys, educators, and scientists.

His children and grandchildren continued his tradition of social service. Prominent among them are his son [[Kaderbad Ravindranath]] and grandson Dr. [[Kaderbad Uday shankar]].

Kaderbad Ravindranath is an agricultural scientist and cotton breeder. He recently received the Life Time Achievement Award for his contributions including the development of a [[Cotton]] variety named "Narasimha." Narasimha is widely used as a parent line by more than 20 leading cotton seed manufacturers in their cotton hybrid seed program. The Cotton hybrids made from Narasimha are cultivated in over one crore (10 million) acres of land all over India, earning more than Rs 300 Crore (Rs 3 billion) to the National Exchequer.<ref>"Scientist's work earns Rs. 300 crore to the Exchequer", [[The Hindu]] (newspaper), 1-April-2014 [http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/scientists-work-earns-rs-300-crore-for-exchequer/article5856046.ece]</ref>

Following in his father's footsteps, Mr. Ravindranath interacted with Prime Minister [[P.V. Narasimha Rao]] , who was elected from Nandyal, as well as governors, and central ministers. He invited them to Nandyal and brought problems faced by residents of the region, especially poor farmers, to their attention. He is the President of "Nandi Rythu Samakya," which provides advice and help to poor and marginal farmers in sustainable cultivation practices.

Dr. Kaderbad Uday Shankar is a popular physician in Nandyal. He is instrumental in establishing "Sangha Mitra" a home for destitute children where they are provided shelter, food and education. He also runs "Sharada Vidya Peeth" a model school for poor children.

His organization also serves the needs of tribal people ([[Chenchu]] tribe) in the [[Nallamala Forest]] spanning Kurnool and Prakasam districts in Andhra Pradesh. Every month a doctor and supporting staff visit each of the thirty settlements and provide health checkups and free medicines for them.

Narasinga Rao died on 2 June 1963.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kaderbad, Narasinga Rao}}
[[Category:Indian philanthropists]]
[[Category:Indian social reformers]]
[[Category:Indian independence activists from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:People from Rayalaseema]]
[[Category:People from Kurnool district]]
[[Category:People from Nandyal]]
[[Category:1888 births]]
[[Category:1963 deaths]]
[[Category:Andhra Pradesh politicians]]
[[Category:19th-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians]]

Kaderbad Narasinga Rao - Revision history

->Kautilya1 at 16:39, 4 December 2021