History

 

Gummalakshmipuram: A Historical Overview

       Gummalakshmipuram has a rich history spanning approximately 400 years. It was once ruled by the Vyricharla Kshatriyas, who are believed to have named the area. The name "Gummalakshmipuram" is said to have evolved from the nearby settlements of Lakshmipuram and Gumma, both named by these rulers.

     The population of Gummalakshmipuram consists predominantly of tribal communities, although some non-tribal groups have migrated to the area. The tribal people, largely untouched by modern civilization, maintain traditional lifestyles and diets. Their food includes Gantelu (forest produce), animal flesh, various grains, red gram, korralu, samalu, potatoes, ragulu, and a variety of wild fruits such as custard apple, pineapple, jackfruit, and different edible roots.

     A significant landmark in the village was the British-era guest house of Elvin Dora, which stood until 2001. Gummalakshmipuram lies on the border of Odisha and was historically part of the Srikakulam District. It serves as the mandal headquarters under the Parvathipuram Manyam District, to which it still belongs today.

    The village gained national recognition during the Raithanga Poratam (Farmers' Movement), led by notable revolutionaries like Aadibhatla Kailasam and Vempatapu Satyam. It is said that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi discussed Gummalakshmipuram in the context of these revolutionary activities. Prominent political leaders such as Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, and Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy visited the village.

      Several freedom fighters and revolutionaries emerged from this region following the legacy of Alluri Seetharama Raju. Recognizing the needs of the tribal population, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, during his tenure as Chief Minister, established tribal welfare educational institutions to support their development.

      The cultural heritage of Gummalakshmipuram is expressed through its traditional dance form, Dhimsa, and vibrant local festivals such as Kandi Kottalu, Kondem Kottalu, and Aagam. Although progress has been made, a complete transition to modern life has yet to occur among the tribal communities. They benefit from government reservations in education and employment, and the employment rate among them is approximately 80%.

     Agriculturally, the region relies on small canals (Gaddalu) for irrigation, with no major water resources available. The primary crops grown here are tamarind and cashew nuts, which serve as key sources of income for local businesses.

  HISTORY OF THE GOVERNMENT DEGREE COLLEGE , GUMMALAKSHMIPURAM

The Government Degree College, Gummalakshmipuram, was sanctioned under the Tribal Sub-Plan funds in 2007, as per G.O.Ms.No.269, dated 29.10.2007, issued by the Finance (SMPC) Department, with an establishment fund of Rs. 85 lakhs. The college was initially sanctioned 13 lecturer posts, along with one Librarian, one Physical Director, one Upper Division Clerk (UDC), and one Principal, as per the proceedings of the Commissioner of Collegiate Education, Andhra Pradesh (Rc.No.288/Admn-I-2/2007, dated 06-12-2007).

Affiliated under section 2(f) to Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, the college commenced its academic operations in 2007-08 with an initial intake of 180 students, which was later extended to 200 on request. At its inception, four undergraduate courses were offered:

• B.A (History, Economics, Political Science - HEP)

• B.Com (General)

• B.Sc (Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science - MPCS)

• B.Sc (Chemistry, Botany, Zoology - CBZ)

The B.Sc (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry - MPC) course was introduced in the academic year 2021-22. Initially, the college was operated by one regular lecturer and ten contract faculty members, with classes conducted in the Post-Metric Hostel Tribal building, a temporary facility provided by the Project Officer (PO) of ITDA.

Given that 98% of students belonged to Scheduled Tribes and were financially disadvantaged, the then PO of ITDA sanctioned Rs. 15,00,000 (Rupees fifteen lakhs) towards student admission fees. This funding enabled students to enroll with a nominal fee of Rs. 5 per head. Due to the lack of hostel facilities, students were temporarily accommodated in the ITI building at Badragiri.

The college's permanent building was completed and handed over in 2011, allowing it to function independently from the academic year 2011-12. Since then, it has consistently offered four  undergraduate programs:

• B.A (HEP)

• B.Com (General)

• B.Sc (MPCS)

• B.Sc (CBZ)

And B.Sc (MPC) course introduced in the AY 2020-21.

From the academic year 2023-24, the college adopted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and introduced three major programs under a single major system. :

• B.A (Political Science) - 60 seats

• B.Sc (Botany) - 50 seats

• B.Sc (Computer Science) - 40 seats

Additionally, from the academic year 2024-25, a new program, B.Com (Computer Applications) Major, is  introduced, increasing the total intake capacity to 210 students.

Over the years, the college has successfully produced numerous professionals, including:

• 20 teachers

• 10 constables

• Over 50 nursing assistants

• 25 Sachivalayam staff

• Several self-employed alumni

The institution continues to contribute to the education and upliftment of the tribal community, striving for excellence in higher education and career development.

The college hosts a range of active units and clubs, including NSS Units I & II, the Women Empowerment Cell (WEC), Red Ribbon Club, Anti-Ragging Cell, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Academic Cell, Examination Cell, Sports and Games Club, Eco Club, Cultural Club, and Consumers Club. The institution offers co-educational learning, fostering an inclusive environment for all students.

A unique feature of the college since its inception is the inclusion and support of transgender students. The institution actively promotes their dignified and better settlement through a dedicated cell called Sadhikara Yochana. This initiative is run in collaboration with an NGO that has generously extended financial support for the education of transgender students up to graduation level.

Nestled amidst the rich natural flora of the tribal region, the college is set against a picturesque landscape that offers a serene and invigorating environment, fostering a vibrant and healthy atmosphere for learning.