Pothina Ganapathira Patrudu, born in 1902 in Vijayawada, Krishna district, was the son of Shri Narayana Swamipatru and hailed from a family of businessmen. Growing up in the heart of the independence movement in Vijayawada, Ganapathira Patrudu was deeply inspired to join the struggle for freedom.
Pothina Ganapathira actively participated in the independence movement from its early days. In 1921, with the onset of the Non-Cooperation Movement in Vijayawada, he became a prominent figure in the national movement. His activism led to multiple imprisonments. In 1923, during the Nagpur National Flag Satyagraha, he was arrested and sentenced to six months in the Rajahmundry Jail. His commitment continued in the year 1930 when he took part in the Paglonnadu Salt Satyagraha, resulting in another six-month imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 50. He served his sentence in the Rajahmundry, Tiruchunapalli, and Alipuram jails.
Following his release, Pothina Ganapathira engaged in Vyashti Satyagraha in 1941, incurring six weeks' rigorous imprisonment and a hefty fine of Rs.700, which he refused to pay leading to an additional six months in the Rajahmundry and Vellore jails. Detained under the Defence of India Rules (D.I.R.) from May to December 1941, he was again imprisoned during the Quit India Movement in 1942. After his release, Ganapathira Patrudu significantly contributed to the development of Vijayawada as its Municipal Chairman.
Details mentioned in the book: "History of Freedom Struggle", IV Part, pg. 222, Vijayawada, published by Krishna District Freedom Fighters Committee, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Source: Somisetty Sarala, Contributor for CCRT.