[1] He was affectionately called "Girijan Gandhi" for his service to the Adivasi people.
He is born at Singapeta village in Kovur Taluq of Nellore district to Vennelakanti Papayya and Subbamma.
He joined the Indian National Congress led by Mahatma Gandhi and participated in the Non-cooperation movement and Salt Satyagraha, and was jailed for 21 months.
He was elected to the Combined Madras State from the Nellore constituency for two terms.
He held the position of parliamentary secretary in 1946 headed by Tanguturi Prakasam.