Kakani Venkata Ratnam

Commemorating Statue of Kakani Venkata Ratnam at his native village Akunuru of Krishna District in Andhra Pradesh

Kakani Venkata Ratnam was a former Cabinet Minister in Andhra Pradesh in India.

Life

He was born in Akunuru, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.. He was educated up to primary level at his native village Akunuru. He learned Sanskrit and Hindi languages from a tutor at neighbouring village, Kunderu. He was attracted to the then freedom struggle movement started by Mahatma Gandhi. As a student youth leader he mobilised youth to join the movement along with Pidikiti Madhava Rao, Rebala Buchi Ramaiah Shresty, Kalapala Surya Prakash Rao and Peta Brahmaiah to name a few. They had worked day and night in organising a meeting at vijayawada in 1923 which was addressed by Mahatma Gandhi and later the place was named Gandhi Nagar municipal grounds. He worked in support of khadi movement too. Mahatama Gandhi also visited his native village Akunuru and that particular night he spent at Vuyyuru. Kakani Venkata Ratnam accompanied Gandhi in his tour programme which stretched up to Mudunuru. Gradually he became a popular congress leader and lead as chairman of Krishna district congress committee for a long duration.

He died of a heart attack on 25 December 1972 at the height of Jai Andhra movement. His sudden death subsided the Jai Andhra movement.

There is a statue commemorating him in the Benz circle of Vijayawada. There is also a library in his name in Vijayawada on Bandar road. There is also a marriage function hall in Hanuman Junction. His statues are present in Vizag and Tanuku Andhra Sugar factory as well.

His death was on the same day as India's ex president C. Rajagaoplachary's. His death ceremony was performed with state rituals attended by the then Prime Minister and other national leaders.