Bikkina Venkataratnam

Bikkina Venkataratnam was an Indian politician known for his contributions to cooperative banking. Born in Chodavaram, in the Ramachandrapuram taluk of East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, Venkataratnam played an important role in the region's political and economic development during the early 20th century.

Political career
Venkataratnam affiliated with the Indian National Congress party in 1921. This led to his removal from the position of Village Headman due to his active participation in the Non-cooperation movement.

He served as a member of the Ramachandrapuram Taluk Board and later assumed its presidency from 1922 to 1934. He also held membership on the District Board in East Godavari from 1921 to 1941.

Venkataratnam's political activity led to his imprisonment on two occasions. He faced a six-month jail term and a fine for providing shelter to Satyagrahis during the Non-cooperation movement. Additionally, he endured imprisonment starting from June 7, 1930, in Rajahmundry and Vellore jails.

He worked extensively in the cooperative banking sector. He was associated with the Ramachandrapuram Co-operative Central Bank, where he eventually assumed the presidency from 1929 onwards.

Venkataratnam served as a Member of the Madras Legislative Assembly (MLA) in 1923 and 1930. He resigned from his MLA position to serve in the Congress Party's national cabinet. In 1947, he assumed the role of Minister of Forests in the Prakasam Cabinet.

He served as the President of the District Congress Committee and was President of the Co-operative Central Bank in Ramachandrapuram for approximately 25 years. He also assumed leadership roles in the Provincial Co-operative Bank Ltd. in Madras and the Provincial Co-operative Union Ltd.

In the Legislative Council, Venkataratnam served as an MLC. of the Composite Madras State from 1923 to 1929. He resumed his role as an MLA from 1946 to 1952. He was also the President of the Andhra Pradesh State Co-operative Central Bank.