Amaravati, The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has directed officials to develop the NTR Memorial Garden project in Amaravati as a symbol of Telugu pride and self-respect. The Chief Minister emphasized that the project should highlight Telugu culture, tradition, language, literature, art, and ancient history, while also establishing Amaravati as the people’s capital.

A modern garden reflecting culture and history will be created

According to an official release, the Chief Minister reviewed the project at the camp office on Saturday and stated, “NTR Smritivanam (Memorial Garden) will be built in Amaravati in accordance with Telugu grandeur, symbolizing our culture, history, and self-respect.”

The project to be developed in Neerukonda will include a 182-meter tall statue of NTR along with spaces displaying information about iconic figures such as Alluri Sitarama Raju and Potti Sriramulu. It was also directed that the Neerukonda reservoir be revitalized alongside the memorial to attract large numbers of tourists. The Chief Minister cited the example of the ‘Statue of Unity’ built in Gujarat for this purpose.

NTR Memorial Garden

The NTR Memorial Garden is a public park and memorial in Hyderabad, India, dedicated to the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR). It was established at the site of his cremation on the banks of the Hussain Sagar lake following his death in 1996. The garden features a large bronze statue of NTR and serves as a place of remembrance for the popular leader and film icon.

Amaravati

Amaravati is a historic town in Andhra Pradesh, India, renowned as the site of an ancient Buddhist settlement and a great stupa built in the 3rd-2nd century BCE during the Mauryan Empire. It served as a major center for the spread of Buddhism and was the capital of the Satavahana dynasty. Today, it is also known for its newly built Amaravati Mahachaitya stupa and its designation as the planned capital city of Andhra Pradesh.

Telugu culture

Telugu culture is a vibrant South Indian tradition originating from the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with a rich history spanning over a millennium. It is renowned for its classical Kuchipudi dance, Carnatic music, and ancient Telugu literature, which flourished under dynasties like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Satavahanas. The culture is also celebrated for its distinctive cuisine, elaborate festivals, and globally influential Telugu film industry, Tollywood.

Neerukonda reservoir

The Neerukonda reservoir is a man-made lake located in Andhra Pradesh, India, constructed to provide irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural lands. Its history is tied to regional water management efforts, though the specific date of its construction is not widely documented in major historical records. Today, it serves as a vital local water source and a scenic spot for visitors.

Statue of Unity

The Statue of Unity is a colossal monument in Gujarat, India, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key leader in the country’s independence movement. Completed in 2018, it stands as the world’s tallest statue at 182 meters, symbolizing Indian unity and engineering prowess. It was built to honor Patel’s pivotal role in integrating over 500 princely states into the newly independent nation.

Alluri Sitarama Raju

Alluri Sitarama Raju was a legendary Indian revolutionary who led the Rampa Rebellion of 1922–24 against British colonial rule, defending the interests of tribal communities in the Eastern Ghats region. He is not a place but a revered freedom fighter, celebrated as a folk hero in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for his guerilla tactics and sacrifice. Monuments and statues in his honor can be found across the region, commemorating his pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence.

Potti Sriramulu

Potti Sriramulu was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, not a place. He is best known for his hunger strike and eventual sacrifice in 1952, which directly led to the linguistic reorganization of Indian states and the creation of the state of Andhra Pradesh. His act is a pivotal moment in India’s political history, cementing the rights of linguistic groups.