The commemorative programme, titled ‘Tributes to the Radiant Spirit of Telugu Pride’, was held at the party’s central office, where *Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao offered floral tributes* to a portrait of the party founder.
As part of the observance, the party organised a voluntary blood donation camp at the premises. Party leaders and cadre participated in large numbers, donating blood as a mark of service-oriented homage to the late leader. Mr. Naidu personally interacted with the donors and presented certificates of appreciation, commending their gesture.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Srinivasa Rao described NTR as an enduring symbol of Telugu self-respect and political empowerment. He recalled that NTR instilled confidence and a sense of political agency among Telugu people, asserting that the very foundation of the TDP was built on that belief. “The sense of assurance that comes with being part of the TDP was first shaped by NTR,” he said.
Recalling the circumstances under which the party was founded, Mr. Srinivasa Rao noted that NTR established the TDP with the explicit aim of restoring dignity to Telugu identity. Within nine months of its formation, the party came to power, he said, setting new benchmarks in welfare governance and decentralised development. NTR, he added, was a leader who challenged entrenched power centres in New Delhi with uncommon resolve.
He highlighted several landmark welfare initiatives introduced by NTR, including the subsidised rice scheme that ensured food security for the poor, and policies that treated housing, clothing, and shelter as entitlements rather than charity. By granting women property rights, NTR ushered in a quiet but transformative social reform, while his efforts to provide legislative representation to marginalised communities helped democratise political participation.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao said the reforms introduced by NTR across political, social, and welfare spheres fundamentally altered the lives of the underprivileged. The establishment of residential Gurukul schools, he noted, was a decisive step towards educational equity. “NTR did not offer political alms; he conferred political rights on the poor,” he said.
Today, he said, the Chief Minister is accelerating the development of Amaravati, while maintaining a balance between welfare delivery and economic growth. The government’s objective, he added, was not merely to extend welfare schemes but to enable the poor to achieve economic self-reliance and generate employment for others.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao asserted that Mr. Naidu was carrying forward NTR’s vision with a sense of responsibility and purpose, placing it firmly at the centre of the State’s development agenda.
He also referred to Nara Lokesh, stating that he was emerging as a leader of the next generation with a clear and future-oriented vision. Through initiatives in information technology, artificial intelligence, and data centre infrastructure, Mr. Lokesh was contributing to shaping Andhra Pradesh’s long-term growth strategy, he said, adding that unlike in other parties, there was no ambiguity about leadership succession within the TDP.
Describing the TDP as a cadre-driven party, Mr. Srinivasa Rao acknowledged the sacrifices made by party workers over the past five years, noting that despite facing sustained adversity, their commitment played a decisive role in bringing the party back to power. He assured that no worker should feel abandoned, reiterating that the party would stand firmly by every cadre.
The TDP’s responsibility, he concluded, was to translate NTR’s ideals into action and, under Mr. Naidu’s leadership, take Andhra Pradesh to new heights of development.
Sharma KV editor
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