VIJAYAWADA: Rampilla Narasayamma, a renowned freedom fighter and a key figure in India’s independence movement, passed away at her home in Vijayawada on Wednesday morning at the age of 99. Her life was marked by sacrifice, resilience, and a deep commitment to India’s freedom struggle, and her legacy continues to inspire generations.
Alongside her husband, the late Rampilla Suryanarayana, also known as Sardar Rampilla, Narasayamma played a significant role in the armed resistance against British colonial rule. Together, they were involved in the Bejawada bomb conspiracy, manufacturing bombs near the milk factory in Vijayawada. Their activism led to their arrest, and despite the hardships of imprisonment, Narasayamma’s spirit remained undeterred. Later, she became part of the Goa liberation movement, where she gave birth to her son, Rampilla Jayaprakash, while still in jail.
After independence, Narasayamma dedicated herself to the welfare of freedom fighters and was an active member of the Advisory Council of the Ministry of Home Affairs. In this role, she worked tirelessly to secure pensions and benefits for many of her fellow freedom fighters. A strong advocate of Gandhian values, she also built a Gandhi Temple to promote his teachings and continued her efforts to inspire youth through her work at Syed Appalaswamy College, founded by her father-in-law.
Her contributions were widely acknowledged, with prominent leaders such as former Presidents Pranab Mukherjee and Ram Nath Kovind honoring her for her dedication. Narasayamma remained humble and committed to her cause, regularly attending national events and inspiring others with her strength and grace. Following her passing, people from all walks of life gathered at her residence to pay their respects, including Vijayawada MP Keshineni Sivanath, who expressed his heartfelt condolences.
