He was born in Yellamacnchili, Vizagapatam District, on 7 November 1889, son of Ponnada Ramayya.[1] He studied at London Mission High School in Vizagapatam, Rajah's College in Parlakimedi, Pachaiyappas College in Madras, Maharajah's College in Vizianagaram and at the Madras Law College.[1] Ponnada Subba Rao obtained Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law degrees.[1] In 1908 he married Seshama, the couple had eight children (five sons and three daughters).[1] Ponnada Subba Rao tough at C.B. Mission High School in Vizagapatam between July 1913 and July 1915.[1] He authored a book on history of Rome in Telugu language, published in 1914.[1]
Struggle for Independence
Ponnada Subba Rao became a member of the Indian National Congress in 1920.[1] During 1921-1922 he suspended his law practice and joined the Non-Cooperation Movement.[1] During this period he served as Secretary of the Vizagapatam District Congress Committee.[1]
Parliamentarian
Rao renounced his membership in the Indian National Congress in March 1951.[1] In 1952, Rao was elected to the first Lok Sabha from the Nowrangpur constituency as a candidate of the All India Ganatantra Parishad. He obtained 67,257 votes (46.96%).[2] Rao was one of six AIGP members from Orissa in the first Lok Sabha.[2]
According to the official Lok Sabha biography, Rao's past-time interests included Hindu and Christian literature studies, issues relating to railways and statistics.[1]
