New Jersey, September 13: Friends and followers of late Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy of New Jersey have emotionally remembered former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh on his death anniversary. Over 600 families and over 900 people assembled at Royal Albert Palace, 26, Brook Street Somerset here and paid respectful homage to Dr YSR.
Mr Y S Vivekananda Reddy, former MP of Kadapa, Mr Gnanender Reddy, former MP of Chittoor, Mr Gone Prakash Rao, former chairman of APSRTC and former MLC, Dr Suninder Malhotra, INOC president, Ms Pam Kwatra, INOC vice-president, New Jersey Chapter were among those attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajeshwar Reddy Gangasani remembered Dr YSR and his policies during his regime. Referring to a few policies, Mr Rajeshwar explained how Dr YSR had implemented 108 Emergency Services during his regime. He said that Dr YSR has connected the dots between the rural mass and urban system. Mr Mahender Musuku introduced guests to audience.
Mr Gone Prakash Rao reminded about the Kadapa MP and son of late Dr YSR, Mr Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy’s words and his promise made at “Nalla Kaluva” and also explained about “Odarpu Yatra” and its importance and significance.
Mr Gnanender Reddy remembered the day when Dr YSR departed. He was at the receiving end and was supposed to be receiving Dr YSR at helipad on that day. He explained his association with Dr YSR and the policies that Dr YSR implemented in Andhra Pradesh while receiving criticism from Opposition parties.
Mr Surinder Singh shared his thoughts about the loss of Dr YSR and explained how the late leader played a key role in forming the UPA government in India by giving 33 MPs from Andhra Pradesh. He compared Dr YSR and Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and on the policies that have been taken up during his regime and how Dr YSR has been a role model to other chief ministers in India. Mr Singh said that both have common qualities which are working for people, working for rural masses and staying connected to common man.
Ms Pam Kwatre has compared the Independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi to the movement for uplift of poor by Dr YSR. She said that Dr YSR followed and concentrated on “Grama Swarajyam” which were primary goals of Mahatma Gandhi. She called Dr YSR as the reincarnation of God for rural masses, poor and people of Andhra Pradesh. Had Dr YSR been alive, he would have become the Prime Minister of India as Dr YSR holds similar stature, leadership and respect as Dr Manmohan Singh. Several voluntary speakers raised concerns over the investigation of tragic death and raised doubts on this accident.
Mr Vivekananda Reddy emotionally recalled his association with his brother Dr YSR. Mr Reddy recalled that Dr YSR wanted to retire on attaining 60 years. He always worked to properly implement the delivery mechanism of policies and the program benefits reaching the people who were in dire need. He also explained that Dr YSR always wanted Andhra Pradesh to be transformed into “Harithandhra Pradesh” and make sure this happens. Mr Reddy has called upon the NRIs to plant trees every year from birthday (July 8) to death anniversary day (September 2) at their respective villages. He also requested the NRIs living outside India to co-ordinate with Dr .YSR “Smruthi Vanams” and negotiate with government departments to plant trees in schools, Highways and public areas.
Proposing vote of thanks, Mr Rami Reddy, the event convener, described Dr YSR as a saint and hailed his leadership qualities. He said that Dr YSR was a role model for the generations to come and expressed his support to Mr Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Mr Srinivas Arikatla, Mr Shiva, Mr Srikanth Gudipati, Mr Nagesh Reddy, Mr Praveen and several other Telugu community members, including Mr Mohan Patalolla, Mr Ramesh Chandra Avanuru, Mr Mahender Musuku, Suresh Sadipiralla and Dr Raghava Reddy were present.
——–NSS