Thota Sitaramaiah: An internal pillar of an underground organisation

By Harsh Thakor* 

Thota Sitaramaiah was regarded within his circles as an example of the many individuals whose work in various underground movements remained largely unknown to the wider public. While some leaders become visible through organisational roles or media attention, many others contribute quietly, without public recognition. Sitaramaiah was considered one such figure. He passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 65.

Sitaramaiah was originally from Chintarela village in Aswapuram Mandal of present-day Bhadradri Kothagudem district. After completing his degree and briefly engaging with student activities, he became involved in the revolutionary movement around 1980 as a full-time activist. For a period, he worked at the Peace Book Center, selling literature. Known at the time as “PBC Kumar,” he went underground around 1985 when the centre faced state action. He worked as a courier and later took on responsibilities involving the production and distribution of literature, learning computer operations, DTP and offset printing.

From 2001 onward, he worked as a computer operator for former Communist Party (Maoist) chief secretary Ganapathi, and became a close assistant in organisational documentation. In Dandakaranya, he was widely known for his skill in managing computer-related tasks, earning the informal nickname “Computer Anandanna.” Those who worked with him recall his preference for maintaining strict discipline in documentation work and his meticulous handling of equipment and resources.

Former associates recall anecdotes about his long hours of typing and data preparation, his willingness to help fix computer problems, and his habit of training younger members in DTP and other technical tasks. He often accompanied senior leaders across different regions and worked through committee meetings, preparing files, printouts, and resolutions. He was known for interacting easily with lower-level members and, at times, screening films for cadres in remote camps.

His colleagues describe him as someone who spoke briefly, presented his views directly when necessary, and avoided unnecessary discussion. He was known for an unusually strong memory, reportedly able to locate files and documents instantly. Several former senior leaders, including Ganapathi, Namballa Kesavarao and Cherukuri Rajkumar, are said to have depended on his ability to retrieve and organise reference materials.

Sitaramaiah lived with Alzheimer’s disease for more than a decade and spent considerable time in hospital, including during a period of imprisonment that lasted about a year and a half. He was granted bail early due to his medical condition. Those who met him during this period recall his struggle with memory loss but also his occasional expressions of determination, despite the illness.

To those who knew him, Sitaramaiah represented the many lesser-known individuals who worked behind the scenes within underground movements, contributing technical, logistical or organisational support without seeking prominence. His life is seen by his associates as reflective of the commitment shown by people who remained in such movements despite personal hardship.

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*Freelance journalist