Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu (August 23, 1872 – May 20, 1957) also known as Andhra Kesari ‘The Lion of Andhra’, was an Indian freedom fighter and politician. He was born at Kanuparthi village in Guntur District. He became Chief Minister of the Madras Presidency and later on the very first Chief Minister of the new Andhra State. In the Indian freedom struggle, he was one of the foremost leaders. He won admiration from people all over through his dauntless sacrifice and courage. People, especially those from Andhra State derived immense inspiration from his different achievements as political leader, editor and freedom fighter.

Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu

Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu had a difficult childhood but continued his studies at Ongole at a Government Middle School. Sri Immaneni Hanumantha Rao Naidu, his Math Teacher played a vital role in shaping Prakasam’s career. He completed education at Madras Law College, practiced, began amassing a fortune, took part in Municipal politics and became the Rajahmundry Municipality Chairman. After qualifying in England as barrister, he returned to India and usurped practice related to Andhra districts despite competition from other lawyers. In Madras he presided over all meetings of Bipin Chandra Pal. Tanguturi Prakasam was also editor of the Journal Law Times. He argued cases before the Privy Council twice in England.