NTR’s Life Should Be Included in the curricularion : Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu

Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said that the life and legacy of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao should be included in academic curricula so that future generations can understand his immense contribution to society, politics, and Telugu culture.

Speaking at the grand celebrations of NTR’s 104th birth anniversary held at Tyagaraya Gana Sabha under the banner of the cultural organization ‘Rasamayi’, Venkaiah Naidu presented the prestigious NTR Award to T.D. Janardhan, National Vice President of the Telugu Desam Party and Chairman of the NTR Literature Committee.

The event was attended by several distinguished personalities, including former Bandaru Dattatreya, former Union Minister Samudrala Venugopala Chary, Telugu One Managing Director Kanthamaneni Ravi Shankar, and Rasamayi President M.K. Ramu.

Recalling NTR’s remarkable journey, Venkaiah Naidu said the legendary actor ruled the Telugu silver screen for over three decades, immortalizing mythological characters such as Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Ravana while also delivering socially relevant performances that left a lasting impact on society.

He said NTR’s entry into politics transformed the political landscape by encouraging youth, women, and marginalized communities to participate in public life. Within just nine months of founding the Telugu Desam Party, NTR achieved the rare distinction of becoming Chief Minister, ushering in a new era in Andhra Pradesh politics.

Venkaiah Naidu highlighted NTR’s pioneering welfare initiatives, particularly those aimed at empowering women and uplifting the poor. He noted that many of NTR’s reforms became models for governments across the country. Referring to the constitutional crisis during NTR’s tenure, Naidu praised his successful democratic struggle to regain power within 30 days, calling it one of the defining moments in Indian political history.

He stressed that NTR’s extraordinary life, commitment to democratic values, and dedication to public service deserve a place in educational curricula so younger generations can draw inspiration from his legacy.

Congratulating TD Janardhan on receiving the award, Venkaiah Naidu described him as an honest, dedicated, and capable leader who has remained committed to the ideals of the Telugu Desam Party. “Every political party needs leaders like TD Janardhan,” he remarked.

Former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya recalled his close association with NTR, describing him as a leader who respected people across party lines. He also praised TD Janardhan for maintaining cordial relations with leaders from all political parties while playing a significant role in strengthening the Telugu Desam Party.

Former Union Minister Samudrala Venugopala Chary reflected on his long association with NTR, saying the legendary leader recognized his dedication and entrusted him with important responsibilities that eventually paved the way for his rise as a Union Minister. He also appreciated TD Janardhan’s efforts to preserve and promote NTR’s ideals for future generations.

Kanthamaneni Ravi Shankar, Managing Director of Telugu One, said NTR’s life is an endless source of inspiration and expressed happiness at presenting an award instituted in the legendary leader’s name to his longtime friend TD Janardhan. He commended Janardhan’s significant contribution to the growth and strengthening of the Telugu Desam Party.

Accepting the NTR Award, TD Janardhan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and dignitaries. He described receiving an award instituted in NTR’s name as one of the greatest honors of his political career.

Janardhan said his political journey began with the Telugu Desam Party founded by NTR and that he has always considered the party’s welfare his foremost responsibility. He recalled serving as Chairman of the Krishna District Cooperative Bank under NTR’s leadership and later as Chairman of APCOB for nine years with the support of N. Chandrababu Naidu.

He further noted that being appointed Chairman of the NTR Literature Committee during NTR’s centenary celebrations in 2023 remains one of the most meaningful milestones of his life. Over the past three years, he said, the committee has organized numerous programs across the Telugu states, India, and abroad to preserve and propagate NTR’s ideology and enduring legacy.