N. G. Ranga


Gogineni Ranga Nayukulu, also known as N. G. Ranga, was an Indian freedom fighter, classical liberal, parliamentarian and farmer leader. He is founding president of Swatantra Party. He was an exponent of the peasant philosophy, and considered the father of the Indian Peasant Movement.

Early life

Ranga was born in Nidubrolu village in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh. He went to school in his native village, and graduated from the Andhra-Christian College, Guntur. He received a B.Litt. in Economics from the University of Oxford in 1926. On his return to India, he took up teaching as Professor of Economics at Pachaiyappa's College, Madras.

Political Career

Ranga joined the freedom movement inspired by Gandhi's clarion call in 1930. He led the ryot agitation in 1933. He wrote a book, Bapu Blesses regarding his discussions with Gandhi.
He wrote many other books like Credo of World Peasantry, Economic Organization of Indian Villages and Indian Adult Education Movement which are illustrative of a brilliant erudite ability and diverse interests.
Ranga served the Indian Parliament for six decades from 1930 to 1991. He died on 9 June 1995. Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao condoled the death of Prof. Ranga. He said that in the passing away of Prof Ranga, the country had lost an outstanding Parliamentarian and a champion of public causes and of the rural peasantry. Prof. Ranga served as a Member of Parliament for a record number of 60 years and found a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.The Andhra Pradesh government declared a 3-day state mourning.

Honours