Sir A. P. Patro
1875 – 1946
Berhampur lawyer and zamindar who, as Education Minister, oversaw the founding of Andhra University and the reorganisation of the University of Madras.
Sir Annepu Parasuramdas Patro (1875 or 1876–1946) was born in Berhampur, then in the Madras Presidency. He studied law at Madras Christian College, took part in the Odia movement, and was a member of the Indian National Congress before joining the Justice Party.
Elected to the Madras Legislative Council in 1920, he served as Minister of Public Works and Education from 1921 to 1926. Andhra University was established during his tenure, and Wikipedia credits him with creating the administrative system of the University of Madras; the Madras University Act of 1923 was passed in the same period. He took part in the First Round Table Conference.
In 1929 he supported opening party membership to Brahmins. In 1943 he was among the rebels who tried to remove Periyar from the party's leadership. He was elected to the Odisha Legislative Council in 1937 and served briefly as Speaker before his death in 1946.
Key contributions
- Minister of Education and Public Works, 1921–1926
- Andhra University founded during his tenure
- Administrative reorganisation of the University of Madras
- Delegate to the First Round Table Conference