Maddali Venkateswara Rao was born on 5 July 1911, in Chodavaram, Taluka Vijayawada, to Subbaiya. Coming from a farming family, he began supporting the freedom movement from a young age. Demonstrating full support for the indigenous goods industry, he participated in burning foreign cloth. He actively joined the freedom struggle, forsaking his studies.
In 1941, responding to Gandhi's call for Vyashti Satyagraha across the country, Venkateswara Rao participated in the freedom movement. Consequently, he was arrested and sentenced to six months of rigorous imprisonment which he served from 11 January 1941 in the Rajahmundry and Alipuram Jails. Upon his release, he returned to Pimmata and continued his involvement in the Satyagraha movement. The police arrested him again, sentencing him to nine months of rigorous imprisonment which he served in the Alipuram Jail. However, on 15 December 1941, the colonial government released him.
Venkateswara Rao then took part in the Quit India Movement. During the August movement of 1942, he participated in the attack on Uppaluru railway station and was arrested. He spent six months on remand in sub-jail, followed by a sentence of four months of rigorous imprisonment starting 17 March 1943 served in the Alipuram Jail. Throughout his life, he remained a self-sacrificing individual dedicated to the service of the nation.
Details mentioned in the book: "History of Freedom Struggle", IV Part, 243 page, Vijayawada, published by Krishna District Freedom Fighters Committee, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Source : Somisetty Sarala, Contributor for CCRT.