In the days when the entire nation was in a political upheaval, the freedom movement of Andhra found a great champion in T. Prakasam who was a rare combination of great lawyer, journalist, nationalist and a politician. It is no wonder that his lifelong exertion in such diverse fields in the srvice of nation has earned him the honour of Andhra Kesari conferred on him by the people of Andhra Pradesh.

Tanguturi Prakasam was born on August 23, 1872 at Kanuparthi village in Oogole Distt. in Andhra Pradesh. After higher education, Prakasam entered the profession of law and set up practice at Oongole and later at Rajahmundry in a bid to widen his clientele. In 1904, Prakasam sailed for England to qualify himself for the Bar. On return he started practice at the MAdras Bar becoming before long, one of the leaders of the Madras VBar commanding a lucrative practice. Responding to GAndhiji's call, Prakasam gave up his legal practice and led the great Gandhian upsurge in that part to the country. He became President of the Andhra Provincial Congress Committee in 1921.

He led the Simon Commission Boycott in 1928 in Madras City and virtually bared his chest when a British Bayonet was pointed at him. He started a National Daily "Swarajya" in 1921. Within a short time not only did it rise in a circulation phenomenally, but there did arise a persistent clamour for Telugu and Tamil editions of the Daily. Whren the Congress got into power in 1937, Prakasam became the Revenue Minister and initiated many progressive measures. Later in 1946 he became the Chief Minister of the Composite Madras State and remained in office for about 13 months setting in motion a spate of revolutionary reforms.

On October 1, 1953, the Andhra State came into being and Andhra Kesari was prevailed upon to head the first Andhra Ministry. His administration at Kurnool was packed with significant events. To crown them all, he declared general amnesty for over 2,000 condemned criminals to mark the State's first aniversary in 1954. Full of years and honours, Prakasam passed away on May 20, 1957 in Hyderabad. History will ever remember him as a National hero.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India