Palla Stresses on Citizen Participation as Key to Nation-Building* *Union Minister Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma and TDP State Chief Attend ‘We Serve India Season 2’ Awards in Visakhapatnam*

by sharma K.V. Editor
Visakhapatnam, November 3:*A nation advances not merely through government policy but through the collective sense of duty and service among its citizens, observed Telugu Desam Party (TDP) State President and Gajuwaka MLA, Mr. Palla Srinivasa Rao, while addressing the “Forbes India–We Serve India Season 2 (South & West Zone Awards)” ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Hotel here on Monday

The event, organised jointly by Lions Clubs International, Forbes India, and Network18, was graced by Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Mr. Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, and Mr. Palla Srinivasa Rao, who presented awards to ten grassroots changemakers chosen from the southern and western regions of the country for their exemplary contribution to social service and community transformation

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Palla Srinivasa Rao emphasised that meaningful social change cannot be achieved by governments alone. “Sustainable development is possible only when citizens themselves become active participants in the process,” he said, adding that a society imbued with compassion and civic responsibility naturally propels the nation forward.

He described Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu as a leader who has elevated “service” into a cultural value, citing reforms such as Smart Governance, Digital Transparency, and Public Accountability as hallmarks of participatory democracy. These initiatives, he noted, have deepened public involvement in governance and fostered trust between the people and the administration.

Turning to global challenges, Mr. Rao cautioned that recurring climate events — cyclones, erratic rainfall, and rising sea levels — are urgent reminders of humanity’s delicate relationship with nature. He stressed the need for harmonious coexistence with the environment and noted that the State coalition government is taking proactive steps to formulate policies responsive to climate change. “Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, the government is advancing towards the goal of a Green Andhra Pradesh,” he asserted.

Highlighting the empowerment of women and the role of education in rural transformation, Mr. Rao said that Self-Help Groups have enabled women to attain economic independence, while initiatives such as Smart Village–Smart Ward are revitalising rural life through better infrastructure and renewed community spirit. He also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national programmes — Swachh Bharat, Digital India, and Make in India — for instilling a greater sense of service and civic consciousness among citizens.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma underlined that people’s participation is indispensable to national development. “Enduring social transformation can only be realised through a spirit of service and collective endeavour,” he remarked, commending the changemakers whose grassroots work, he said, serves as an inspiration to society.

Mr. Varma further stated that the true strength of modern India lies in the confluence of environmental consciousness, women’s empowerment, and technological innovation. He said the Union Government, guided by Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a Sustainable India, is implementing comprehensive measures to promote inclusive and enduring growth. “When public awareness aligns with governmental commitment,” he concluded, “development becomes truly permanent.”