A TRIBUTE TO SRI HARISCHANDRA PRASAD- FOUNDER OF OUR INSITUTION
This is an excerpt from the page history of our college.
Of a total of 8 lakhs rupees donated for our college, 5 lakhs was contributed by Sri Mullapudi Harischandra Prasad garu alone.
A tribute to this great man... who has now left for his heavenly abode.
Sri Mullapudi Harischandra Prasad was born in Tanuku on June 28, 1921. Coming from an agricultural family he came to be known as "Andhra Birla" being one among the first indians to set up industries in Independent India after establishing The Andhra Sugars factory at Venkatarayapuram in Tanuku, West Godavari district on 11th August, 1947 just 4 days before independence!
His vision was to use locally available renewable resources to produce value added products, generate employment and upliftment of the rural areas.
"It is perhaps the only Indian Industrial Group with its Head Quarters and manufacturing facilities located in a rural area, we are uniquely poised to champion the development of rural India"(copied from Andhra sugars)
He was a freedom fighter who fought for the freedom of his motherland not just from the political shackles but also to make it self sustained. (sugar was an imported commodity in those days)
He held various posts in the Madras presidency on behalf on the Indian National Congress.
His passion for self reliance can be seen from the fact that The Andhra Sugars developed the propellant fuel for the rocket boosters of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for a number of its satellite launchers.
His employee friendly nature and quest for equality of all can be known by the fact that NOT EVEN A SINGLE STRIKE HAD TAKEN PLACE IN THIS FACTORY IN THE PAST 60 YEARS.
He also founded The Andhra Petrochemicals limited one of the first of its kind in India.
Mr Harischandra Prasad was a stickler for punctuality, simplicity, discipline and modesty. Always dressed in the traditional attire- dhoti and kurta, he was soft-spoken and mixed well with his employees.
He also served as president of the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI).
He was also elected as the first chairman of Tanuku municipality in 1981 and also became a MLA from the same constituency.
Known for his philanthropy and help for the people in the district, Mr Harishchandra Prasad was instumental in building not only our college (Rangaraya medical college) but also the polytechnic college in Tanuku.
He is also said to have made a lot of unaccounted contributions to various trusts and associations for the benefit of the poor and the needy.
He died in hyderabad on Saturday 3/9/2011 at the age of 92 at Care Hospitals after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife, five daughters and three sons.
We at the rangaraya medical college still remember him as he opened the Golden jublee Auditorium, The Hippocrates statue and the Mens hostel day celebrations last year.
We Rangarayans will always remember you sir, for all that you have done for us.
May his soul rest in peace.......
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