Naidu pays tribute to NTR on 30th death anniversary

Vijayawada: Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu paid heartfelt tributes to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder and late chief minister N T Rama Rao (NTR) on 30th death anniversary on Sunday. Naidu described the late leader as a visionary who revolutionised welfare, rural development, and mass empowerment. "NTR's thoughts on development, welfare, and unity still guide us. From rural development to empowering the masses, he laid a strong foundation," Naidu said, hailing him as a "pole star in cinema" and an "invincible warrior in politics" who elevated Telugu pride globally. Nandamuri Balakrishna, an actor and TDP legislator, along with family members Nandamuri Ramakrishna and Suhasini, and former Union minister and MP Daggubati Purandeswari, visited the NTR Ghat and offered floral tributes. Balakrishna emotionally recalled his father's unparalleled contributions, stating, "As long as the sun and moon exist, NTR will live on." He praised NTR for his innovative acting techniques and for founding the TDP in 1982, which made politics accessible to common people. He also highlighted landmark welfare initiatives such as the Telugu Ganga and Galeru Nagari projects, which have become models adopted nationwide. TDP leaders and legislators across the state commemorated NTR's death anniversary by organising food distribution and health camps for the needy. Tollywood actor and grandson of late NTR, Junior NTR, along with his brother Kalyan Ram, also visited the NTR Ghat to pay their respects.NRI members of the TDP in Dubai observed the 30th anniversary of NTR's passing, honouring him as a symbol of Telugu pride and self-respect. They garlanded his portrait and paid floral tributes. Speaking at the event, NRI TDP leaders stated that NTR's contributions would forever remain in the hearts of the Telugu people. They praised him as a great leader who achieved unparalleled fame in politics and cinema, instilling a strong sense of self-respect among the Telugu population.The leaders also highlighted that the welfare schemes implemented by NTR for the upliftment of the poor, women's empowerment, and rural development have secured a permanent place in history. They expressed their commitment to carrying forward NTR's ideals, with several NRI TDP leaders and activists in Dubai participating in the programme to pay tributes to him.