Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on the occasion of the 94th birth anniversary of the former Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder N.T. Rama Rao, has announced the setting up of a statue of him at the capital city of Amaravati.
The statue will be christened ‘Telugu Jathi Atma Gourava Spoorthi’ so as to carry on Rama Rao’s legacy to the future generations.
Interacting with the party cadres, during the second day of the Mahanadu event here on Saturday, Mr. Naidu said that they would very soon set up a 35-metre (nearly 115 feet) high statue of NTR at Amaravati.
“Since the establishment of Telugu Desam Party, which was aimed at upholding the respect of Telugu people, everyone have stood by his ideals and worked towards the welfare of the people. It is our responsibility to carry this forward to the upcoming generations,” he added.
“An inspiration”
Hailing Rama Rao’s measures during his stint as Chief Minister of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Naidu asserted that despite the shorter duration (of his rule), all the decisions had a great impact on the people. “NTR represents Telugu people, their culture and traditions. He left the peaceful and lucrative life in the film industry to serve people, showing what a committed leader can do to uplift the people from their miseries. His life and work is an inspiration to everyone who is in the party and we will carry it forward,” he said.
Mr. Naidu said that they would commence the operation of ‘Anna Canteens’ by this year end and address the hunger issues of poor people. “Nityaannadanam at Tirumala is the brainchild of Mr. Rama Rao. Several devotees, irrespective of their status, have a meal at the facility after the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. He also introduced rice for Rs.2 (per kg) and worked hard to ensure food security. Through this (Anna Canteen), we aim to bridge the hunger gap of poorer sections of society.”
The party leaders also adopted a unanimous resolution demanding the Central government to confer the country’s highest civilian order – Bharat Ratna on N.T. Rama Rao.
Government will launch ‘Anna Canteens’ by year- end, says the
Chief Minister
