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Who is the first governor of Kerala?
First Governor of Kerala, a state situated in the southern part of India, has a rich cultural and political history. After India’s independence in 1947, Kerala was formed as a state on November 1, 1956, with the merging of Travancore-Cochin and the Malabar District of Madras State. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao was the first Governor of Kerala, and his tenure as Governor was from November 1, 1956, to June 1, 1957. In this blog, we will discuss the life and contributions of Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, the first Governor of Kerala.
Early Life and Education
Burgula Ramakrishna Rao was born on March 13, 1899, in Padakallu, a village in the Khammam district of Telangana. He completed his primary education in his village and later went on to study at Nizam College in Hyderabad. After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree, he went to England to pursue higher studies in Law. He completed his Law degree from Lincoln’s Inn, London.
Career
After completing his education, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao started his career as a lawyer. However, he soon became involved in the Indian freedom struggle and joined the Indian National Congress. He was elected to the Hyderabad State Legislative Assembly in 1936 and later became the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly. He also served as the Revenue Minister of Hyderabad State from 1946 to 1947.
After India’s independence in 1947, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao served as the Chief Minister of Hyderabad State from 1952 to 1956. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he implemented several welfare schemes for the people of Hyderabad, such as the construction of schools, hospitals, and public buildings.
Role as Governor of Kerala
Burgula Ramakrishna Rao was appointed as the first Governor of Kerala on November 1, 1956, after the state was formed by the merger of Travancore-Cochin and the Malabar District of Madras State. During his tenure as Governor, he was instrumental in setting up the administrative machinery of the state. He worked closely with the state government to establish institutions for governance, education, and healthcare.
Burgula also played a significant role in the integration of the people of different communities and cultures in Kerala. He promoted social and cultural development in the state and encouraged the preservation and promotion of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. He was instrumental in initiating developmental projects in the state, including the construction of roads, bridges, and dams.
Apart from his administrative work, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao also had a keen interest in the arts and literature. He supported the revival of traditional art forms in Kerala and encouraged the growth of literature and music in the state.
Later Life and Legacy
Burgula ‘s tenure as Governor of Kerala lasted for only eight months, from November 1, 1956, to June 1, 1957. He resigned from the post due to health reasons. After his resignation, he retired from public life and lived a quiet life in Hyderabad.
Burgula passed away on September 14, 1967. He is remembered as a visionary leader who played a significant role in shaping the modern history of India. His contributions to the development of Hyderabad and Kerala are still remembered and celebrated today.
Conclusion
Burgula Ramakrishna Rao was a distinguished statesman, lawyer, and social reformer who dedicated his life to public service. He played a crucial role in the integration of Hyderabad State with the Indian Union and the development of Kerala as a state. As the first Governor of Kerala, he laid the foundation for the administrative machinery of the state and worked to promote social and cultural development.
His contributions to the welfare of the people and his efforts to promote unity and harmony among people from different communities and cultures are still remembered and appreciated today. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao was a true patriot and a leader who always put the interests of the nation and its people first.
Here is some additional information that may be useful:
Find the list of all the Governors of Kerala in chronological order:
- Burgula Ramakrishna Rao (1950-1956)
- V.V. Giri (1956-1957)
- B. Rachaiah (1957-1960)
- V.P. Menon (1960-1965)
- Ajith Prasad Jain (1965-1971)
- V.R. Krishna Iyer (1971-1976)
- Jothi Venkatachalam (1977-1982)
- P. Ramachandran (1982-1988)
- Ram Dulari Sinha (1988-1990)
- Swaroop Singh (1990-1995)
- P. Shiv Shankar (1995-1996)
- Khurshed Alam Khan (1996-2002)
- Sukhdev Singh Kang (2002-2004)
- R.L. Bhatia (2004-2008)
- R.S. Gavai (2008-2011)
- M.O.H. Farook (2011-2014)
- Sheila Dikshit (2014-2016)
- P. Sathasivam (2014-2019)
- Arif Mohammad Khan (2019-present)
These individuals have made significant contributions to the development of the state of Kerala and have played an important role in shaping its history.