group of institutions.YSRajasekhara Reddy’s sound business acumen,entrepreneurial skills, and, above all, Ysr transparency brought him laurels inthe business arena. On the flip side, his success also brought him manyadversaries, political and otherwise, who were desperately looking for a shredof evidence to prove umpteen charges against him. In the end, theirmud-slinging did not yield a single point that could paint the mass leader inbad light. In fact, ysr detractors became red-faced, as they had to swallowtheir words.Groomed by a family deeply involved in publicservice, YSR entered active politics in 1978 and contested elections, fourtimes to enter the State Legislative Assembly and an equal number of times toenter the Lower House of Parliament. A winner in all that he does, YSR won allthe elections he contested. Even today YSR admirers exclaim: “He (YSR) defeatsdefeat.”During his 25-year-long political career, YSR has served the people in multiple capacities, both in Government as well as inParty. YSR was President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) twice -1983-1985 and 1998-2000. During 1980-1983, YSR was a minister holding importantportfolios related to Rural Development, Medical & Health and Educationetc. From 1999 to 2004 he was the Leader of Opposition in the eleventh stateassembly.As a champion of the masses, YSR stentorianvoice in the assembly, raised particularly during debates that sought to lendvoice to the voiceless millions, forced the Government to retrace severalanti-people steps it contemplated. YSR has been instrumental in orchestratingseveral mass struggles, while highlighting issues facing peasants, weavers,Dalits, youth and women. YSR relentless fight for clearance of pendingirrigation projects, particularly in the backward Rayalaseema region, hasearned for him a special place in the hearts of millions of farmers. Hisunremitting struggle against certain anti-people economic measures that weresought to be introduced in the name of “reforms”, including the frequentincreases in power tariff and indiscriminate privatization of public sectorunits, exalted him far above the street smart politicians.Even as a novice in the legislature, YSR rallied all the Congress MLAs from the Rayalaseema region and led an indefinitehunger strike demanding solution to the water crisis. YSR also led a Paadayaatra from Lepakshi to Pothireddipadu in Kurnool district. The 14-day hunger strike of legislators under his leadership in August 2000 to register protest againstthe hike in power charges is still fresh in the memory of people. By systematically exposing the misdeeds of the then Government, both inside andoutside the Assembly, YSR was playing his political role to the hilt.During mid-summer in 2003, YSR led anunprecedented 1400 Km long Paadayaatra covering all backward areas in the stateto understand the ground realities of living conditions of the people there.Now, as Chief Minister of andhra, the crowning glory ofthis studded political career, YSR can proudly claim to be the quintessence of apolitician who, with vision focused on the coming generations as well, hasearned the title of a statesman. Amidst a bewildering number of turncoats amongpoliticians, who thrive in “shifting loyalties”, YSR stands out as a sterlingexample of the old guard in pristine Indian politics.This explains why he has never turned his backon the Congress party, which nurtured his political moorings. The lure of powerand pelf could not divert him, when the party was briefly out of power, fromhis mission to hold the reins of power as a trusted lieutenant of the Congressand, more importantly, as a darling of the masses. Sworn in as Chief Ministerof Andhra Pradesh on 14.05.2004.YSR’s PersonalityA modest Personality:Dr. YSRajasekharaReddy,unlike most politicians, reflects thespirit of a true Indian who walks his talk.While his thought is dressed withall that is modern and ennobling, Dr.Reddy’s person is invariably clothed intraditional costumes that include dhoti and a shirt made of handloom cloth.Inall of his public and private conversations, he speaks from the core of hisheart. Naturally, he hates hypocrisy.As a demanding Chief Minister OF andhrapradesh, YSR expects bureaucrats to do their jobmeticulously, and present before him only facts that are shorn of allpublicity-oriented and manipulative figures. He does not tolerate hype andextravaganza in communicating official messages. YSR wants incontrovertiblefacts stated in a simple language that is intelligible even to the unlettered,because taking administration to the people is an article of faith for him.YSR Philosophy of Life:Dr.YSRajasekhara Reddy strongly believes that the human life is a boon provided by the Almighty to share one’s blessings withothers, while serving less privileged human beings.“Don’t count the years you want to live. Ask yourself how much you have donefor society at large with whatever opportunities the Almighty has providedyou”, is Dr.YSRajasekharaReddy’s word of advice for those who have excuses for not doingeven what is within their means.It is this humane principle that prompted him to take pioneering steps toensure delivery of social security pensions to the needy in the first week ofevery month.His stature:Though measuring 5′7″, YSRajasekharaReddy looks majesticallysimple in his appearance with an ever-smiling genial countenance. This in factovershadows his unfailing willpower to achieve his targets with the resilienceand tenacity of a spider.When YSR undertook his unprecedented 1500-KM-long Padayaatra (march on foot) inscorching sun during summer in 2003,covering backward areas of the state inparticular, few people could discern the underlying motive: knowing first-handthe real problems of the people in their own language and their doorstep.YSRMission:As around 75% of the population in India dependupon agriculture for livelihood, most administrative efforts should be focusedon the rural economy, he believes.Citing renowned economists, Dr. Reddy regrets that neglect of the agricultureand irrigation sectors in recent years have become the bane rural economy. As aproactive Andhrapradesh Chief Minister, he embarked upon a massive programme of executing 26major irrigation projects to create 65 lakh acres of new ayacut.YSR Motto:Dr. Reddy’s moto is that the ultimate objectiveof any program executed under a democratic set-up should be prompt anddependable delivery of sevices to the common man.With this as the guiding principle, YSR has advised bureaucrats at all levelsto help revive the functioning of the administrative system at all levelswithout habitually looking for autocratic ‘diktats’. ‘Decentralization ofadministrative power within the guidelines of the policy framed by thegovernment reflects the true spirit of democratic governance”, Dr. Reddyargues.YSR strength:Dr Reddy’s strength lies in his stature as a massleader since his advent in politics. Whether in or out of power, he has alwayschampioned the cause of the common man. This has endeared him to all segmentsof the Congress party as well.Even after becoming the Chief Minister in May 2004, Dr Reddy makes it a pointto address all the problems that are brought before him directly by people,cutting through bureaucratic hurdles, every day.If any scheme or programme under formulation is placed before him for approval,its outcome is a foregone conclusion that is dependent on Dr. Reddy’sinvariable query: “How best will it benefit the people at large or ensure goodgovernance?”YSR ‘pastime’:A curious ‘pastime’ of Dr Reddy is to feel thepulse of people in rural areas on Sundays through the Rajiv Palle Batta.The Rajiv Palle Baata is a novel mass contact programme under which the ChiefMinister reaches out to even unmotorable areas in the rural areas forpersonally collecting feedback on the implementation of various programmes.This programme has become extremely popular, because it highlights not what theChief Minister does in the glare of official publicity, but what his officialsmay not have done in the people’s own words.In view of the rational changes brought about in administrative mattersfollowing the success of Rajiv Palle Baata, the Chief Minister now extended theprogramme to urban areas through Rajiv Nagara Baata.YSR Approach:The Chief Minister’s emphasis on development ofthe rural economy does not presuppose a blinkered approach towards new andemerging technologies.Dr.Reddy is committed to a balanced approach towards giving thrust toinformation technology, bio-technology and all sectors that enhance industrialand agricultural production. His watchword is total transparency in alltransactions and deals that envisage public-private partnerships or involveprivate investments. Because, YSR believes he is simply a custodian of people’strust that is invaluable.It is not a coincidence that he loves the company of children and often “getslost” in their World that is founded on trust of the highest order
YSR WAS THE GREATE CHIEFMINISTER OF ANDHRAPRADESH.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
ANDHRAPRADESH C.M. YSRAJASEKHARAREDDY PROFILE
ANDHRAPRADESH C.M. YSRAJASEKHARAREDDY PROFILE
group of institutions.YSRajasekhara Reddy’s sound business acumen,entrepreneurial skills, and, above all, Ysr transparency brought him laurels inthe business arena. On the flip side, his success also brought him manyadversaries, political and otherwise, who were desperately looking for a shredof evidence to prove umpteen charges against him. In the end, theirmud-slinging did not yield a single point that could paint the mass leader inbad light. In fact, ysr detractors became red-faced, as they had to swallowtheir words.Groomed by a family deeply involved in publicservice, YSR entered active politics in 1978 and contested elections, fourtimes to enter the State Legislative Assembly and an equal number of times toenter the Lower House of Parliament. A winner in all that he does, YSR won allthe elections he contested. Even today YSR admirers exclaim: “He (YSR) defeatsdefeat.”During his 25-year-long political career, YSR has served the people in multiple capacities, both in Government as well as inParty. YSR was President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) twice -1983-1985 and 1998-2000. During 1980-1983, YSR was a minister holding importantportfolios related to Rural Development, Medical & Health and Educationetc. From 1999 to 2004 he was the Leader of Opposition in the eleventh stateassembly.As a champion of the masses, YSR stentorianvoice in the assembly, raised particularly during debates that sought to lendvoice to the voiceless millions, forced the Government to retrace severalanti-people steps it contemplated. YSR has been instrumental in orchestratingseveral mass struggles, while highlighting issues facing peasants, weavers,Dalits, youth and women. YSR relentless fight for clearance of pendingirrigation projects, particularly in the backward Rayalaseema region, hasearned for him a special place in the hearts of millions of farmers. Hisunremitting struggle against certain anti-people economic measures that weresought to be introduced in the name of “reforms”, including the frequentincreases in power tariff and indiscriminate privatization of public sectorunits, exalted him far above the street smart politicians.Even as a novice in the legislature, YSR rallied all the Congress MLAs from the Rayalaseema region and led an indefinitehunger strike demanding solution to the water crisis. YSR also led a Paadayaatra from Lepakshi to Pothireddipadu in Kurnool district. The 14-day hunger strike of legislators under his leadership in August 2000 to register protest againstthe hike in power charges is still fresh in the memory of people. By systematically exposing the misdeeds of the then Government, both inside andoutside the Assembly, YSR was playing his political role to the hilt.During mid-summer in 2003, YSR led anunprecedented 1400 Km long Paadayaatra covering all backward areas in the stateto understand the ground realities of living conditions of the people there.Now, as Chief Minister of andhra, the crowning glory ofthis studded political career, YSR can proudly claim to be the quintessence of apolitician who, with vision focused on the coming generations as well, hasearned the title of a statesman. Amidst a bewildering number of turncoats amongpoliticians, who thrive in “shifting loyalties”, YSR stands out as a sterlingexample of the old guard in pristine Indian politics.This explains why he has never turned his backon the Congress party, which nurtured his political moorings. The lure of powerand pelf could not divert him, when the party was briefly out of power, fromhis mission to hold the reins of power as a trusted lieutenant of the Congressand, more importantly, as a darling of the masses. Sworn in as Chief Ministerof Andhra Pradesh on 14.05.2004.YSR’s PersonalityA modest Personality:Dr. YSRajasekharaReddy,unlike most politicians, reflects thespirit of a true Indian who walks his talk.While his thought is dressed withall that is modern and ennobling, Dr.Reddy’s person is invariably clothed intraditional costumes that include dhoti and a shirt made of handloom cloth.Inall of his public and private conversations, he speaks from the core of hisheart. Naturally, he hates hypocrisy.As a demanding Chief Minister OF andhrapradesh, YSR expects bureaucrats to do their jobmeticulously, and present before him only facts that are shorn of allpublicity-oriented and manipulative figures. He does not tolerate hype andextravaganza in communicating official messages. YSR wants incontrovertiblefacts stated in a simple language that is intelligible even to the unlettered,because taking administration to the people is an article of faith for him.YSR Philosophy of Life:Dr.YSRajasekhara Reddy strongly believes that the human life is a boon provided by the Almighty to share one’s blessings withothers, while serving less privileged human beings.“Don’t count the years you want to live. Ask yourself how much you have donefor society at large with whatever opportunities the Almighty has providedyou”, is Dr.YSRajasekharaReddy’s word of advice for those who have excuses for not doingeven what is within their means.It is this humane principle that prompted him to take pioneering steps toensure delivery of social security pensions to the needy in the first week ofevery month.His stature:Though measuring 5′7″, YSRajasekharaReddy looks majesticallysimple in his appearance with an ever-smiling genial countenance. This in factovershadows his unfailing willpower to achieve his targets with the resilienceand tenacity of a spider.When YSR undertook his unprecedented 1500-KM-long Padayaatra (march on foot) inscorching sun during summer in 2003,covering backward areas of the state inparticular, few people could discern the underlying motive: knowing first-handthe real problems of the people in their own language and their doorstep.YSRMission:As around 75% of the population in India dependupon agriculture for livelihood, most administrative efforts should be focusedon the rural economy, he believes.Citing renowned economists, Dr. Reddy regrets that neglect of the agricultureand irrigation sectors in recent years have become the bane rural economy. As aproactive Andhrapradesh Chief Minister, he embarked upon a massive programme of executing 26major irrigation projects to create 65 lakh acres of new ayacut.YSR Motto:Dr. Reddy’s moto is that the ultimate objectiveof any program executed under a democratic set-up should be prompt anddependable delivery of sevices to the common man.With this as the guiding principle, YSR has advised bureaucrats at all levelsto help revive the functioning of the administrative system at all levelswithout habitually looking for autocratic ‘diktats’. ‘Decentralization ofadministrative power within the guidelines of the policy framed by thegovernment reflects the true spirit of democratic governance”, Dr. Reddyargues.YSR strength:Dr Reddy’s strength lies in his stature as a massleader since his advent in politics. Whether in or out of power, he has alwayschampioned the cause of the common man. This has endeared him to all segmentsof the Congress party as well.Even after becoming the Chief Minister in May 2004, Dr Reddy makes it a pointto address all the problems that are brought before him directly by people,cutting through bureaucratic hurdles, every day.If any scheme or programme under formulation is placed before him for approval,its outcome is a foregone conclusion that is dependent on Dr. Reddy’sinvariable query: “How best will it benefit the people at large or ensure goodgovernance?”YSR ‘pastime’:A curious ‘pastime’ of Dr Reddy is to feel thepulse of people in rural areas on Sundays through the Rajiv Palle Batta.The Rajiv Palle Baata is a novel mass contact programme under which the ChiefMinister reaches out to even unmotorable areas in the rural areas forpersonally collecting feedback on the implementation of various programmes.This programme has become extremely popular, because it highlights not what theChief Minister does in the glare of official publicity, but what his officialsmay not have done in the people’s own words.In view of the rational changes brought about in administrative mattersfollowing the success of Rajiv Palle Baata, the Chief Minister now extended theprogramme to urban areas through Rajiv Nagara Baata.YSR Approach:The Chief Minister’s emphasis on development ofthe rural economy does not presuppose a blinkered approach towards new andemerging technologies.Dr.Reddy is committed to a balanced approach towards giving thrust toinformation technology, bio-technology and all sectors that enhance industrialand agricultural production. His watchword is total transparency in alltransactions and deals that envisage public-private partnerships or involveprivate investments. Because, YSR believes he is simply a custodian of people’strust that is invaluable.It is not a coincidence that he loves the company of children and often “getslost” in their World that is founded on trust of the highest order
group of institutions.YSRajasekhara Reddy’s sound business acumen,entrepreneurial skills, and, above all, Ysr transparency brought him laurels inthe business arena. On the flip side, his success also brought him manyadversaries, political and otherwise, who were desperately looking for a shredof evidence to prove umpteen charges against him. In the end, theirmud-slinging did not yield a single point that could paint the mass leader inbad light. In fact, ysr detractors became red-faced, as they had to swallowtheir words.Groomed by a family deeply involved in publicservice, YSR entered active politics in 1978 and contested elections, fourtimes to enter the State Legislative Assembly and an equal number of times toenter the Lower House of Parliament. A winner in all that he does, YSR won allthe elections he contested. Even today YSR admirers exclaim: “He (YSR) defeatsdefeat.”During his 25-year-long political career, YSR has served the people in multiple capacities, both in Government as well as inParty. YSR was President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) twice -1983-1985 and 1998-2000. During 1980-1983, YSR was a minister holding importantportfolios related to Rural Development, Medical & Health and Educationetc. From 1999 to 2004 he was the Leader of Opposition in the eleventh stateassembly.As a champion of the masses, YSR stentorianvoice in the assembly, raised particularly during debates that sought to lendvoice to the voiceless millions, forced the Government to retrace severalanti-people steps it contemplated. YSR has been instrumental in orchestratingseveral mass struggles, while highlighting issues facing peasants, weavers,Dalits, youth and women. YSR relentless fight for clearance of pendingirrigation projects, particularly in the backward Rayalaseema region, hasearned for him a special place in the hearts of millions of farmers. Hisunremitting struggle against certain anti-people economic measures that weresought to be introduced in the name of “reforms”, including the frequentincreases in power tariff and indiscriminate privatization of public sectorunits, exalted him far above the street smart politicians.Even as a novice in the legislature, YSR rallied all the Congress MLAs from the Rayalaseema region and led an indefinitehunger strike demanding solution to the water crisis. YSR also led a Paadayaatra from Lepakshi to Pothireddipadu in Kurnool district. The 14-day hunger strike of legislators under his leadership in August 2000 to register protest againstthe hike in power charges is still fresh in the memory of people. By systematically exposing the misdeeds of the then Government, both inside andoutside the Assembly, YSR was playing his political role to the hilt.During mid-summer in 2003, YSR led anunprecedented 1400 Km long Paadayaatra covering all backward areas in the stateto understand the ground realities of living conditions of the people there.Now, as Chief Minister of andhra, the crowning glory ofthis studded political career, YSR can proudly claim to be the quintessence of apolitician who, with vision focused on the coming generations as well, hasearned the title of a statesman. Amidst a bewildering number of turncoats amongpoliticians, who thrive in “shifting loyalties”, YSR stands out as a sterlingexample of the old guard in pristine Indian politics.This explains why he has never turned his backon the Congress party, which nurtured his political moorings. The lure of powerand pelf could not divert him, when the party was briefly out of power, fromhis mission to hold the reins of power as a trusted lieutenant of the Congressand, more importantly, as a darling of the masses. Sworn in as Chief Ministerof Andhra Pradesh on 14.05.2004.YSR’s PersonalityA modest Personality:Dr. YSRajasekharaReddy,unlike most politicians, reflects thespirit of a true Indian who walks his talk.While his thought is dressed withall that is modern and ennobling, Dr.Reddy’s person is invariably clothed intraditional costumes that include dhoti and a shirt made of handloom cloth.Inall of his public and private conversations, he speaks from the core of hisheart. Naturally, he hates hypocrisy.As a demanding Chief Minister OF andhrapradesh, YSR expects bureaucrats to do their jobmeticulously, and present before him only facts that are shorn of allpublicity-oriented and manipulative figures. He does not tolerate hype andextravaganza in communicating official messages. YSR wants incontrovertiblefacts stated in a simple language that is intelligible even to the unlettered,because taking administration to the people is an article of faith for him.YSR Philosophy of Life:Dr.YSRajasekhara Reddy strongly believes that the human life is a boon provided by the Almighty to share one’s blessings withothers, while serving less privileged human beings.“Don’t count the years you want to live. Ask yourself how much you have donefor society at large with whatever opportunities the Almighty has providedyou”, is Dr.YSRajasekharaReddy’s word of advice for those who have excuses for not doingeven what is within their means.It is this humane principle that prompted him to take pioneering steps toensure delivery of social security pensions to the needy in the first week ofevery month.His stature:Though measuring 5′7″, YSRajasekharaReddy looks majesticallysimple in his appearance with an ever-smiling genial countenance. This in factovershadows his unfailing willpower to achieve his targets with the resilienceand tenacity of a spider.When YSR undertook his unprecedented 1500-KM-long Padayaatra (march on foot) inscorching sun during summer in 2003,covering backward areas of the state inparticular, few people could discern the underlying motive: knowing first-handthe real problems of the people in their own language and their doorstep.YSRMission:As around 75% of the population in India dependupon agriculture for livelihood, most administrative efforts should be focusedon the rural economy, he believes.Citing renowned economists, Dr. Reddy regrets that neglect of the agricultureand irrigation sectors in recent years have become the bane rural economy. As aproactive Andhrapradesh Chief Minister, he embarked upon a massive programme of executing 26major irrigation projects to create 65 lakh acres of new ayacut.YSR Motto:Dr. Reddy’s moto is that the ultimate objectiveof any program executed under a democratic set-up should be prompt anddependable delivery of sevices to the common man.With this as the guiding principle, YSR has advised bureaucrats at all levelsto help revive the functioning of the administrative system at all levelswithout habitually looking for autocratic ‘diktats’. ‘Decentralization ofadministrative power within the guidelines of the policy framed by thegovernment reflects the true spirit of democratic governance”, Dr. Reddyargues.YSR strength:Dr Reddy’s strength lies in his stature as a massleader since his advent in politics. Whether in or out of power, he has alwayschampioned the cause of the common man. This has endeared him to all segmentsof the Congress party as well.Even after becoming the Chief Minister in May 2004, Dr Reddy makes it a pointto address all the problems that are brought before him directly by people,cutting through bureaucratic hurdles, every day.If any scheme or programme under formulation is placed before him for approval,its outcome is a foregone conclusion that is dependent on Dr. Reddy’sinvariable query: “How best will it benefit the people at large or ensure goodgovernance?”YSR ‘pastime’:A curious ‘pastime’ of Dr Reddy is to feel thepulse of people in rural areas on Sundays through the Rajiv Palle Batta.The Rajiv Palle Baata is a novel mass contact programme under which the ChiefMinister reaches out to even unmotorable areas in the rural areas forpersonally collecting feedback on the implementation of various programmes.This programme has become extremely popular, because it highlights not what theChief Minister does in the glare of official publicity, but what his officialsmay not have done in the people’s own words.In view of the rational changes brought about in administrative mattersfollowing the success of Rajiv Palle Baata, the Chief Minister now extended theprogramme to urban areas through Rajiv Nagara Baata.YSR Approach:The Chief Minister’s emphasis on development ofthe rural economy does not presuppose a blinkered approach towards new andemerging technologies.Dr.Reddy is committed to a balanced approach towards giving thrust toinformation technology, bio-technology and all sectors that enhance industrialand agricultural production. His watchword is total transparency in alltransactions and deals that envisage public-private partnerships or involveprivate investments. Because, YSR believes he is simply a custodian of people’strust that is invaluable.It is not a coincidence that he loves the company of children and often “getslost” in their World that is founded on trust of the highest order
