Pullela Syamasundara Rao was resident of village Ichhapuram, distt. Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. While studying Intermediate at Berhampore, he gave up his studies in response to the NonCooperation movement. He underwent seven months and one week’s imprisonment from 8 February 1922 to 14 September 1922 in the Berhampore and Cuddalore Jails for organizing the picketing of toddy shops. He toured extensively to propagate the cause of the Civil Disobedience movement in the district, and raided the Naupadu Salt Fields during 1930 Salt Satyagraha. He was convicted for one year’s imprisonment, and suffered six months rigourous imprisonment from 16 January 1932 in the Berhampore and Cuddalore Jails and paid a fine of Rs.100/-. He served as Secretary, Andhra Mahasabha, in Burma in 1934-35 and ran a weekly Journal, Prajavani, from there. He also worked intensively for the relief of the cyclone- affected people in 1935- 36. A member, PCC, he acted as Secretary and President, D.C.C., and became an MLA in 1937, after defeating A.P. Patro. In 1940 he served as President of the Andhra Kisan Sabha. While undergoing house internment at Ichhapuram, Rao fell seriously ill and died on 16 June 1940.