Telugu fragrance in Chicago

Chief Minister felicitated by non-resident Telugus

YSR hails their contribution to global economy

Calls Indira Gandhi his favourite Prime Minister

OVERSEAS HONOUR: Andhra Pradesh Cheif Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy (left) being felicitated at a reception organised by Hyderabad Muslim Association in Chicago on Sunday. — PTI Photo

HYDERABAD: The fragrance of the Telugu culture wafted across and their pride took centre-stage at a function organised by the Telugus at Chicago to felicitate Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy on the first leg of his tour of the United States on Sunday

He described as `my own eyes' the American Telugu Association (ATA) and Telugu Association of North America (TANA) who had put together the event at the swank Rosemont Convention Centre.

Congratulating the overseas Telugus for their contribution to the global economy, he said, "You are making us proud with your endeavours here. Keep up the good job."

Asked by a non-resident Telugu Yugandhar whether NRIs should enter politics, Dr. Reddy replied, "You are always at liberty to join politics. At the same time, remember that politics is not a bed of roses."

In response to a question, he said he liked Abraham Lincoln the most among the American presidents and his Indian choice was Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy who tried his best to create enduring resources in the State. Likewise, Indira Gandhi was his favourite Prime Minister, he said.

Rural development

In his address earlier, Dr. Reddy said his Government was laying special emphasis on irrigation, agriculture, rural development and housing to rejuvenate the rural economy.

Exhorting the non-resident Telugus living in the US to contribute liberally for the all-round development of the State, he said the State Government was willing to play the role of a facilitator and co-operate in developing their native places.

The Chief Minister said the Government had accorded priority to irrigation sector and was allocating huge sums of money for the completion of the pending irrigation projects to irrigate about one crore acres. The mood on the industrial front was upbeat with the Government ensuring necessary infrastructure while giving subsidy on power tariff.

Dr. Reddy said the Government was providing funds for temples under `Dhoopa-Deepa-Naivedyam scheme', besides bringing in an ordinance prohibiting the activities of other religions near places of worship of a particular faith. Responding to a request made by TANA president Bandla Hanumaiah, the Chief Minister said the Government had intensified efforts to secure classical language status to Telugu.

Speaker of The House of Representatives of the State of Illinois Michael J. Madigan passed a resolution welcoming Dr. Reddy and his entourage to Chicago.

Courtesy: The Hindu