Family members, party leaders pay tributes to late NTR

Hyderabad: Family members and leaders of the Telugu Desam Party founded by N.T. Rama Rao remembered him on his 23rd death anniversary on Friday. Popularly called NTR, the former Chief Minister, was an actor-turned-politician and one of the most popular leaders in the history of undivided Andhra Pradesh.

NTR’s son and popular actor N. Balakrishna, daughter N. Bhuvaneswari, grandsons and actors Junior NTR and Kalyan Ram and others paid rich tributes to the late leader at NTR Ghat on the banks of the Hussain Sagar lake here. Balakrishna, who played NTR in the just released biopic “Mahanaaikudu”, was accompanied by the film’s director Krish.

Speaking on the occasion, the actor said NTR would always remain in the hearts of the Telugu people. He also garlanded the statue of NTR in Begumpet area and flagged off the NTR Amar Jyothi rally. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP President N. Chandrababu Naidu, also remembered the veteran leader.

During a teleconference with TDP leaders in Amaravati on Friday, Naidu said NTR continued to be an inspiration for the young generation. Terming NTR as the pioneer of welfare schemes, Naidu said poverty alleviation would be the best tribute to the late leader. The Chief Minister also called upon the TDP cadres to rededicate themselves to the ideals of NTR by serving the people. He later left for Guntur district, where he will unveil a 36 feet tall statue of NTR. NTR died of cardiac arrest in 1996, a few months after Naidu ousted him from power in view of the alleged growing interference by his second wife Lakshmi Parvathi in the party and the administration.

NTR, a popular Telugu actor, had launched the TDP in 1982 with the slogan of Telugu self-respect and created a record of sorts by coming to power within nine months, ending the single party rule of the Congress.

Ramana recalls NTR’s unique services

The 23rd death anniversary of Telugu Desam Party founder NT Rama Raao was held at NTR Trust bhavan here on Friday. Telangana TDP president L. Ramana and other leaders took part in the program.

Speaking on the occasion, Ramana said NTR had gone on to become chief minister of the State from a humble background. He said NTR was born in a farmer’s family and became a great leader and actor by sheer hard work and dedication. Ramana also said NTR strove for development of the Telugu people in the united State.

At Indo American Cancer Hospital

The staff of the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute paid rich tributes to its founder late NTR. On the occasion, several family members of Late NTR, along with family members of Nandamuri Balakrishna visited the hospital and paid homage. They have also distributed fruits to the patients and also enquired the well-being of patients.

The program was attended by Lokeswari, Uma Maheswari, both daughters of Late NTR and Vasundhara, wife of N. Balakrishna, Nara Brahmani, daughter of Nandamuri Balakrishna and wife of Nara Lokesh, Minister in AP Govt among other family members.

[source_without_link]NSS[/source_without_link]