Gouthu Latchanna

:"This article relates to the Indian freedom fighter,patriot,and leader for weaker sections,Dr.Gouthu Latchanna"Infobox Person
name = Dr.Gouthu Latchanna ‌


caption = Sardar Dr.Gouthu Latchanna
birthname = Gouthu Latchanna
birthdate = birth date|1909|8|16|mf=y
location = Barua,Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh
deathdate = death date|2006|4|19|1929
deathplace = Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
spouse = Gouthu Yashoda
children = Gouthu Sundar Sivaji, Jhansi Lakshmi Ravala, Sushila

Sardar Gouthu Latchanna (16 August, 1909 – April 19, 2006) was a veteran freedom fighter from south India.

"It is an inspiration for the younger generation to learn about Sardar Gouthu Latchanna's dedication and selfless service to the nation." -- In the words of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Former Prime Minister of India, New Delhi, August 8, 1998.

"Latchanna is essentially a humanist and spokesman of the suffering humanity of India. He is not only a champion of humanism in theory, on platform and in the press, but also a tireless and sincere practitioner of humanism". -- In the words of Prof. N. G. Ranga.

"Sardar Gouthu Latchanna is a revered freedom fighter. His life of self-abnegation and service for the down-trodden is a model for all of us, and in particular the youth to draw inspiration and to emulate". -- In the words of P. V. Narasimha Rao, Former Prime Minister of India, New Delhi, 1992.

Personal Details

Dr. Gouthu Latchanna was born in Baruva village of the Sompeta mandal, Srikakulam district in the state of Andhra Pradesh on August 16, 1909. He was the eighth child of Sri. Chittaiah, a Toddy tapper and Smt. Rajamma. He married Smt. Yashodha Devi, who died in 1996.

He died at the age of 98 in Visakhapatnam on April 19,2006 and is survived by son Shyama Sunder Sivaji, who is MLA from Sompeta, and two daughters Jhansi and Sushila. [ [http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/20/stories/2006042023640100.htm The Hindu] ]

Freedom Fighter and Leader of Weaker Sections

He was a champion of backward classes and one of the most prominent leaders of his time. He was arrested at a very young age of 14 when he participated in the Salt Satyagraha at Palasa. Latchanna also participated in the Quit India Movement. He was conferred the tile of sardar for his fearless fight against the British Raj.

He was the leader of masses and social reformer. Till Independence, he fought againt british. After the end of British Raj, it was on political and social fronts for the sake of farmers,laborers,and the working class. He founded Indian National Trade Union Congress(INTUC), a trade union to represent the industrial class as a founding president. He was instrumental in bringing down the government of Prakasham Panthulu on the issues of prohibition.

Political Life

He was member of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly for 20 years from Sompeta constituency. Latchanna had won both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections from Srikakulam district in 1967. But he resigned his Lok Sabha membership to facilitate the election of his political mentor late N.G. Ranga.

He was first elected to Assembly in 1948 from Visakhapatnam on labour ticket and served as Minister for Agriculture and Labour. He left Congress party in 1951 and was arrested during emergency in 1975 imposed by then prime minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. He later joined Lok Dal party and then to Janata Dal party under the leadership of former prime ministers Charan Singh and Vishwanath Pratap Singh respectively.

Honors

* Thotapalli barriage has been named after him by the Andhra Pradesh Government.
* Gouthu Latchanna Cultural Complex will be constructed by the Andhra Pradesh Government.
* Sardar Gouthu Latchanna Pratibha Puraskaramulu, an award on his name to be given every year to bright and intelligent students by Sree Koundinya Seva Samiti
* Sardar Gowthu Latchanna Kala Peetham, a award on his name to honor and recognize the arts.

Autobiography

* Naa Jeevitam (Autobiography) in Telugu written by Gouthu Latchanna, 2001.

References

* http://glow-india.org
* http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/20/stories/2006042012460400.htm
* http://www.goudsinfo.com/famous-Gouthu.htm