YSR's Personality
A modest Personality:
Dr.Reddy,unlike most politicians, reflects the spirit of a true Indian who walks his talk.While his thought is dressed with all that is modern and ennobling, Dr.Reddy's person is invariably clothed in traditional costumes that include dhoti and a shirt made of handloom cloth.In all of his public and private conversations, he speaks from the core of his heart. Naturally, he hates hypocrisy. As a demanding Chief Minister, YSR expects bureaucrats to do their job meticulously, and present before him only facts that are shorn of all publicity-oriented and manipulative figures. He does not tolerate hype and extravaganza in communicating official messages. He wants incontrovertible facts 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.
His Philosophy of Life:
Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy strongly believes that the human life is a boon provided by the Almighty to share one's blessings with others, while serving less privileged human beings. "Don't count the years you want to live. Ask yourself how much you have done for society at large with whatever opportunities the Almighty has provided you", is Dr. Reddy's word of advice for those who have excuses for not doing even what is within their means. It is this humane principle that prompted him to take pioneering steps to ensure delivery of social security pensions to the needy in the first week of every month.
His stature:
Though measuring 5'7", Reddy looks majestically simple in his appearance with an ever-smiling genial countenance. This in fact overshadows his unfailing willpower to achieve his targets with the resilience and tenacity of a spider. When YSR undertook his unprecedented 1500-KM-long Padayaatra (march on foot) in scorching sun during summer in 2003,covering backward areas of the state in particular, few people could discern the underlying motive: knowing first-hand the real problems of the people in their own language and their doorstep.
His Mission:
As around 75% of the population in India depend upon agriculture for livelihood, most administrative efforts should be focused on the rural economy, he believes. Citing renowned economists, Dr. Reddy regrets that neglect of the agriculture and irrigation sectors in recent years have become the bane rural economy. As a proactive Chief Minister, he embarked upon a massive programme of executing 26 major irrigation projects to create 65 lakh acres of new ayacut.
His Motto:
Dr. Reddy's motto is that the ultimate objective of any program executed under a democratic set-up should be prompt and dependable delivery of sevices to the common man. With this as the guiding principle, YSR has advised bureaucrats at all levels to help revive the functioning of the administrative system at all levels without habitually looking for autocratic 'diktats'. 'Decentralization of administrative power within the guidelines of the policy framed by the government reflects the true spirit of democratic governance", Dr. Reddy argues.
His strength:
Dr Reddy's strength lies in his stature as a mass leader since his advent in politics. Whether in or out of power, he has always championed the cause of the common man. This has endeared him to all segments of the Congress party as well. Even after becoming the Chief Minister in May 2004, Dr Reddy makes it a point to 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's invariable query: "How best will it benefit the people at large or ensure good governance?"
His 'pastime':
A curious 'pastime' of Dr Reddy is to feel the pulse 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 Chief Minister reaches out to even unmotorable areas in the rural areas for personally collecting feedback on the implementation of various programmes. This programme has become extremely popular, because it highlights not what the Chief Minister does in the glare of official publicity, but what his officials may not have done in the people's own words. In view of the rational changes brought about in administrative matters following the success of Rajiv Palle Baata, the Chief Minister now extended the programme to urban areas through Rajiv Nagara Baata.
His Approach:
The Chief Minister's emphasis on development of the rural economy does not presuppose a blinkered approach towards new and emerging technologies. Dr.Reddy is committed to a balanced approach towards giving thrust to information technology, bio-technology and all sectors that enhance industrial and agricultural production. His watchword is total transparency in all transactions and deals that envisage public-private partnerships or involve private investments. Because, YSR believes he is simply a custodian of people's trust that is invaluable. It is not a coincidence that he loves the company of children and often "gets lost" in their World that is founded on trust of the highest order.
A modest Personality:
Dr.Reddy,unlike most politicians, reflects the spirit of a true Indian who walks his talk.While his thought is dressed with all that is modern and ennobling, Dr.Reddy's person is invariably clothed in traditional costumes that include dhoti and a shirt made of handloom cloth.In all of his public and private conversations, he speaks from the core of his heart. Naturally, he hates hypocrisy. As a demanding Chief Minister, YSR expects bureaucrats to do their job meticulously, and present before him only facts that are shorn of all publicity-oriented and manipulative figures. He does not tolerate hype and extravaganza in communicating official messages. He wants incontrovertible facts 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.
His Philosophy of Life:
Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy strongly believes that the human life is a boon provided by the Almighty to share one's blessings with others, while serving less privileged human beings. "Don't count the years you want to live. Ask yourself how much you have done for society at large with whatever opportunities the Almighty has provided you", is Dr. Reddy's word of advice for those who have excuses for not doing even what is within their means. It is this humane principle that prompted him to take pioneering steps to ensure delivery of social security pensions to the needy in the first week of every month.
His stature:
Though measuring 5'7", Reddy looks majestically simple in his appearance with an ever-smiling genial countenance. This in fact overshadows his unfailing willpower to achieve his targets with the resilience and tenacity of a spider. When YSR undertook his unprecedented 1500-KM-long Padayaatra (march on foot) in scorching sun during summer in 2003,covering backward areas of the state in particular, few people could discern the underlying motive: knowing first-hand the real problems of the people in their own language and their doorstep.
His Mission:
As around 75% of the population in India depend upon agriculture for livelihood, most administrative efforts should be focused on the rural economy, he believes. Citing renowned economists, Dr. Reddy regrets that neglect of the agriculture and irrigation sectors in recent years have become the bane rural economy. As a proactive Chief Minister, he embarked upon a massive programme of executing 26 major irrigation projects to create 65 lakh acres of new ayacut.
His Motto:
Dr. Reddy's motto is that the ultimate objective of any program executed under a democratic set-up should be prompt and dependable delivery of sevices to the common man. With this as the guiding principle, YSR has advised bureaucrats at all levels to help revive the functioning of the administrative system at all levels without habitually looking for autocratic 'diktats'. 'Decentralization of administrative power within the guidelines of the policy framed by the government reflects the true spirit of democratic governance", Dr. Reddy argues.
His strength:
Dr Reddy's strength lies in his stature as a mass leader since his advent in politics. Whether in or out of power, he has always championed the cause of the common man. This has endeared him to all segments of the Congress party as well. Even after becoming the Chief Minister in May 2004, Dr Reddy makes it a point to 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's invariable query: "How best will it benefit the people at large or ensure good governance?"
His 'pastime':
A curious 'pastime' of Dr Reddy is to feel the pulse 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 Chief Minister reaches out to even unmotorable areas in the rural areas for personally collecting feedback on the implementation of various programmes. This programme has become extremely popular, because it highlights not what the Chief Minister does in the glare of official publicity, but what his officials may not have done in the people's own words. In view of the rational changes brought about in administrative matters following the success of Rajiv Palle Baata, the Chief Minister now extended the programme to urban areas through Rajiv Nagara Baata.
His Approach:
The Chief Minister's emphasis on development of the rural economy does not presuppose a blinkered approach towards new and emerging technologies. Dr.Reddy is committed to a balanced approach towards giving thrust to information technology, bio-technology and all sectors that enhance industrial and agricultural production. His watchword is total transparency in all transactions and deals that envisage public-private partnerships or involve private investments. Because, YSR believes he is simply a custodian of people's trust that is invaluable. It is not a coincidence that he loves the company of children and often "gets lost" in their World that is founded on trust of the highest order.
Career
Y. S. Rajashekhara Reddy practiced medicine for sometime in his native Kadapa District. The hospital his father built for him at Pulivendula is still running. His family also built and ran a degree college and a polytechnic college at Pulivendula which was later handed over to the Loyola Group of Educational Institutions. Another junior college at Simhadripuram, a small town in the vicinity of Pulivendula, is helmed by his family.
Political career
From 1980-1983 he was a minister holding important portfolios related to Rural Development, Medical Health and Education. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kadapa constituency four times and was elected to the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly six times from Pulivendula constituency. Reddy was the leader of the opposition in the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly for five years. As an MLA he was influential in obtaining water from the Tungabhadra River for the Pulivendula Branch Canal (PBC) and fought for projects like RTPP (Rayalaseema Thermal Power Plant) at Muddanur and Proddatur Milk Foods and its ancillaries.
As APCC President
He was President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) twice: 1983–1985 and 1998–2000. As the president of APCC, Reddy rendered yeomen services to the party in regaining the faith and trust of the masses. From 1999 to 2004 he was the Leader of Opposition in the eleventh state assembly.
Paadayaatra
During mid-summer in 2003, he led an unprecedented 1400 km long paadayaatra (foot pilgrimage), covering all backward areas in the state to understand the ground realities of living conditions of the people there. As a novice in the legislature, Reddy rallied all the Congress MLAs from the Rayalaseema region and led an indefinite hunger strike demanding solution to the water crisis. He also led a paadayaatra from Lepakshi to Pothireddipadu in Kurnool district.
As Chief Minister
Reddy was elected as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh by the Legislature party of the Indian National Congress after they later won 185 seats of the Legislative Assembly in the May 2004 elections. He has initiated a variety of programs that influence the Economy of Andhra Pradesh including free power supply for farmers, Jalayagnam - a large scale program to construct more than 70 pending irrigation projects in the state to improve irrigation facilities to the farmers, and an increase in the minimum support price for rice.
Prominent among other programs include Arogya Shree - a health insurance scheme for rural masses where the government pays the entire price of any surgery and does not require people to pay any premium, Pavala Vaddi - a program that provides loans to people at 3% per year so as to encourage them to take up small scale businesses and entrepreneurship primarily targeted at rural woman, Indiramma illu - a program for construction of houses for the rural masses by charging a small amount and the government the remaining amount, an Rs 2/Kg rice scheme, reimbursement of full college fees for backward sections, reservations for minorities, and a huge loan waiver program for the farmers.
Election 2009
Reddy's major campaign slogan for the 2009 election was "Development and the credibility ". In the elections, Reddy's party (INC) secured the required majority in the assembly (156 seats) and also won 33 seats in parliament. Reddy was sworn in as the chief minister for the term of 2009–2014 on 20 May 2009. The ceremony was held in Hyderabad's Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium and attended by a crowd of around 20,000 people.
Controversies
Opposition parties allege corruption in the implementation of Reddy's programs as well as in various other actions of both Reddy and his family. In 2008, Telugu Desam Party leader N. Chandrababu Naidu accused Reddy and his family of illegally amassing income through their companies Sandur Power Company, Jagathi Publications and Bharathi Cement Corporation. He also alleged that Reddy's sons were involved in the Satyam scandal. Also, the allotment of 487 acres of land in March 2007 to Raghuram Cements, which had the son of Reddy as one of its directors, was criticised by the Telugu Desam Party. The surrender of more than 1600 acres by Reddy in December 2006 was also criticised by the opposition parties who demanded Reddy's prosecution and resignation from his post. Naidu also called for Reddy's resignation after a 2007 Khammam police shooting resulted in eight deaths.
Personal life
Reddy was married to Vijaya Lakshmi. They have a son, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, a politician and a daughter, Sharmila.
Presumed Death
Y. S. Rajasekhara's Bell 430 Chopper went missing on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 9:35 am. Communication with Begumpet and Shamshabad Air Traffic controllers was disconnected with the chopper at 9:15 am. Rumors floated that he had safely landed on ground and escorted to Hyderabad. The chopper went missing in the dense Nallamala forest area which is naxal prone. Although there has not been much naxalite activity of late, the area has been pummeled by continuous rains, making the search mission very challenging. Several low altitude planes and Indian Airforce's Sukhoi-30MKI Aircraft with thermal imaging system were deployed,with an IL 78 on standby for Air-Air refueling. Massive ground operations were also deployed for a search-and-rescue mission. The army and police from 6 districts were involved in the ground search.
Andhra Pradesh's anti-Naxal forces were also deployed in the area, owing to their familiarity with the jungle terrain there. Local tribals from this part of the state, considered Naxal Country, also assisted with the search mission. Patrol parties also combed Krishna river for the remains of the helicopter. ISRO's special aircraft were deployed for the searches. The area which was combed lies south of state capital of Hyderabad. The territory is huge, around the town of Atmakur, in the eastern part of the Kurnool district.
The APACL also declared that the helicopter must have crash landed. Indian media agencies have claimed that the helicopter wreckage has been found on a hill top, 40 nautical miles from Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Unidentified missiles were seen launched near the crash site, according to one source quoted by a newspaper. Missiles were possibly terrorist in origin. Enemies of the leader were well known to hold hostile grudges and are not ruled out as culprits in any crash scenario. Congress sources have confirmed that 5 bodies have been found including that of Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy.
Positions held
Minister of state for rural development (1980-82) Excise minister (1982) Education minister (1982-83) Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (2004–2009)
Y. S. Rajashekhara Reddy practiced medicine for sometime in his native Kadapa District. The hospital his father built for him at Pulivendula is still running. His family also built and ran a degree college and a polytechnic college at Pulivendula which was later handed over to the Loyola Group of Educational Institutions. Another junior college at Simhadripuram, a small town in the vicinity of Pulivendula, is helmed by his family.
Political career
From 1980-1983 he was a minister holding important portfolios related to Rural Development, Medical Health and Education. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kadapa constituency four times and was elected to the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly six times from Pulivendula constituency. Reddy was the leader of the opposition in the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly for five years. As an MLA he was influential in obtaining water from the Tungabhadra River for the Pulivendula Branch Canal (PBC) and fought for projects like RTPP (Rayalaseema Thermal Power Plant) at Muddanur and Proddatur Milk Foods and its ancillaries.
As APCC President
He was President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) twice: 1983–1985 and 1998–2000. As the president of APCC, Reddy rendered yeomen services to the party in regaining the faith and trust of the masses. From 1999 to 2004 he was the Leader of Opposition in the eleventh state assembly.
Paadayaatra
During mid-summer in 2003, he led an unprecedented 1400 km long paadayaatra (foot pilgrimage), covering all backward areas in the state to understand the ground realities of living conditions of the people there. As a novice in the legislature, Reddy rallied all the Congress MLAs from the Rayalaseema region and led an indefinite hunger strike demanding solution to the water crisis. He also led a paadayaatra from Lepakshi to Pothireddipadu in Kurnool district.
As Chief Minister
Reddy was elected as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh by the Legislature party of the Indian National Congress after they later won 185 seats of the Legislative Assembly in the May 2004 elections. He has initiated a variety of programs that influence the Economy of Andhra Pradesh including free power supply for farmers, Jalayagnam - a large scale program to construct more than 70 pending irrigation projects in the state to improve irrigation facilities to the farmers, and an increase in the minimum support price for rice.
Prominent among other programs include Arogya Shree - a health insurance scheme for rural masses where the government pays the entire price of any surgery and does not require people to pay any premium, Pavala Vaddi - a program that provides loans to people at 3% per year so as to encourage them to take up small scale businesses and entrepreneurship primarily targeted at rural woman, Indiramma illu - a program for construction of houses for the rural masses by charging a small amount and the government the remaining amount, an Rs 2/Kg rice scheme, reimbursement of full college fees for backward sections, reservations for minorities, and a huge loan waiver program for the farmers.
Election 2009
Reddy's major campaign slogan for the 2009 election was "Development and the credibility ". In the elections, Reddy's party (INC) secured the required majority in the assembly (156 seats) and also won 33 seats in parliament. Reddy was sworn in as the chief minister for the term of 2009–2014 on 20 May 2009. The ceremony was held in Hyderabad's Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium and attended by a crowd of around 20,000 people.
Controversies
Opposition parties allege corruption in the implementation of Reddy's programs as well as in various other actions of both Reddy and his family. In 2008, Telugu Desam Party leader N. Chandrababu Naidu accused Reddy and his family of illegally amassing income through their companies Sandur Power Company, Jagathi Publications and Bharathi Cement Corporation. He also alleged that Reddy's sons were involved in the Satyam scandal. Also, the allotment of 487 acres of land in March 2007 to Raghuram Cements, which had the son of Reddy as one of its directors, was criticised by the Telugu Desam Party. The surrender of more than 1600 acres by Reddy in December 2006 was also criticised by the opposition parties who demanded Reddy's prosecution and resignation from his post. Naidu also called for Reddy's resignation after a 2007 Khammam police shooting resulted in eight deaths.
Personal life
Reddy was married to Vijaya Lakshmi. They have a son, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, a politician and a daughter, Sharmila.
Presumed Death
Y. S. Rajasekhara's Bell 430 Chopper went missing on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 9:35 am. Communication with Begumpet and Shamshabad Air Traffic controllers was disconnected with the chopper at 9:15 am. Rumors floated that he had safely landed on ground and escorted to Hyderabad. The chopper went missing in the dense Nallamala forest area which is naxal prone. Although there has not been much naxalite activity of late, the area has been pummeled by continuous rains, making the search mission very challenging. Several low altitude planes and Indian Airforce's Sukhoi-30MKI Aircraft with thermal imaging system were deployed,with an IL 78 on standby for Air-Air refueling. Massive ground operations were also deployed for a search-and-rescue mission. The army and police from 6 districts were involved in the ground search.
Andhra Pradesh's anti-Naxal forces were also deployed in the area, owing to their familiarity with the jungle terrain there. Local tribals from this part of the state, considered Naxal Country, also assisted with the search mission. Patrol parties also combed Krishna river for the remains of the helicopter. ISRO's special aircraft were deployed for the searches. The area which was combed lies south of state capital of Hyderabad. The territory is huge, around the town of Atmakur, in the eastern part of the Kurnool district.
The APACL also declared that the helicopter must have crash landed. Indian media agencies have claimed that the helicopter wreckage has been found on a hill top, 40 nautical miles from Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Unidentified missiles were seen launched near the crash site, according to one source quoted by a newspaper. Missiles were possibly terrorist in origin. Enemies of the leader were well known to hold hostile grudges and are not ruled out as culprits in any crash scenario. Congress sources have confirmed that 5 bodies have been found including that of Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy.
Positions held
Minister of state for rural development (1980-82) Excise minister (1982) Education minister (1982-83) Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (2004–2009)
YSR's Personality A modest Personality:
Dr.Reddy,unlike most politicians, reflects the spirit of a true Indian who walks his talk.While his thought is dressed with all that is modern and ennobling, Dr.Reddy's person is invariably clothed in traditional costumes that include dhoti and a shirt made of handloom cloth.In all of his public and private conversations, he speaks from the core of his heart. Naturally, he hates hypocrisy. As a demanding Chief Minister, YSR expects bureaucrats to do their job meticulously, and present before him only facts that are shorn of all publicity-oriented and manipulative figures. He does not tolerate hype and extravaganza in communicating official messages. He wants incontrovertible facts 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.
His Philosophy of Life:
Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy strongly believes that the human life is a boon provided by the Almighty to share one's blessings with others, while serving less privileged human beings. "Don't count the years you want to live. Ask yourself how much you have done for society at large with whatever opportunities the Almighty has provided you", is Dr. Reddy's word of advice for those who have excuses for not doing even what is within their means. It is this humane principle that prompted him to take pioneering steps to ensure delivery of social security pensions to the needy in the first week of every month.
His stature:
Though measuring 5'7", Reddy looks majestically simple in his appearance with an ever-smiling genial countenance. This in fact overshadows his unfailing willpower to achieve his targets with the resilience and tenacity of a spider. When YSR undertook his unprecedented 1500-KM-long Padayaatra (march on foot) in scorching sun during summer in 2003,covering backward areas of the state in particular, few people could discern the underlying motive: knowing first-hand the real problems of the people in their own language and their doorstep.
His Mission:
As around 75% of the population in India depend upon agriculture for livelihood, most administrative efforts should be focused on the rural economy, he believes. Citing renowned economists, Dr. Reddy regrets that neglect of the agriculture and irrigation sectors in recent years have become the bane rural economy. As a proactive Chief Minister, he embarked upon a massive programme of executing 26 major irrigation projects to create 65 lakh acres of new ayacut.
His Motto:
Dr. Reddy's motto is that the ultimate objective of any program executed under a democratic set-up should be prompt and dependable delivery of sevices to the common man. With this as the guiding principle, YSR has advised bureaucrats at all levels to help revive the functioning of the administrative system at all levels without habitually looking for autocratic 'diktats'. 'Decentralization of administrative power within the guidelines of the policy framed by the government reflects the true spirit of democratic governance", Dr. Reddy argues.
His strength:
Dr Reddy's strength lies in his stature as a mass leader since his advent in politics. Whether in or out of power, he has always championed the cause of the common man. This has endeared him to all segments of the Congress party as well. Even after becoming the Chief Minister in May 2004, Dr Reddy makes it a point to 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's invariable query: "How best will it benefit the people at large or ensure good governance?"
His 'pastime':
A curious 'pastime' of Dr Reddy is to feel the pulse 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 Chief Minister reaches out to even unmotorable areas in the rural areas for personally collecting feedback on the implementation of various programmes. This programme has become extremely popular, because it highlights not what the Chief Minister does in the glare of official publicity, but what his officials may not have done in the people's own words. In view of the rational changes brought about in administrative matters following the success of Rajiv Palle Baata, the Chief Minister now extended the programme to urban areas through Rajiv Nagara Baata.
His Approach:
The Chief Minister's emphasis on development of the rural economy does not presuppose a blinkered approach towards new and emerging technologies. Dr.Reddy is committed to a balanced approach towards giving thrust to information technology, bio-technology and all sectors that enhance industrial and agricultural production. His watchword is total transparency in all transactions and deals that envisage public-private partnerships or involve private investments. Because, YSR believes he is simply a custodian of people's trust that is invaluable. It is not a coincidence that he loves the company of children and often "gets lost" in their World that is founded on trust of the highest order.
Dr.Reddy,unlike most politicians, reflects the spirit of a true Indian who walks his talk.While his thought is dressed with all that is modern and ennobling, Dr.Reddy's person is invariably clothed in traditional costumes that include dhoti and a shirt made of handloom cloth.In all of his public and private conversations, he speaks from the core of his heart. Naturally, he hates hypocrisy. As a demanding Chief Minister, YSR expects bureaucrats to do their job meticulously, and present before him only facts that are shorn of all publicity-oriented and manipulative figures. He does not tolerate hype and extravaganza in communicating official messages. He wants incontrovertible facts 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.
His Philosophy of Life:
Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy strongly believes that the human life is a boon provided by the Almighty to share one's blessings with others, while serving less privileged human beings. "Don't count the years you want to live. Ask yourself how much you have done for society at large with whatever opportunities the Almighty has provided you", is Dr. Reddy's word of advice for those who have excuses for not doing even what is within their means. It is this humane principle that prompted him to take pioneering steps to ensure delivery of social security pensions to the needy in the first week of every month.
His stature:
Though measuring 5'7", Reddy looks majestically simple in his appearance with an ever-smiling genial countenance. This in fact overshadows his unfailing willpower to achieve his targets with the resilience and tenacity of a spider. When YSR undertook his unprecedented 1500-KM-long Padayaatra (march on foot) in scorching sun during summer in 2003,covering backward areas of the state in particular, few people could discern the underlying motive: knowing first-hand the real problems of the people in their own language and their doorstep.
His Mission:
As around 75% of the population in India depend upon agriculture for livelihood, most administrative efforts should be focused on the rural economy, he believes. Citing renowned economists, Dr. Reddy regrets that neglect of the agriculture and irrigation sectors in recent years have become the bane rural economy. As a proactive Chief Minister, he embarked upon a massive programme of executing 26 major irrigation projects to create 65 lakh acres of new ayacut.
His Motto:
Dr. Reddy's motto is that the ultimate objective of any program executed under a democratic set-up should be prompt and dependable delivery of sevices to the common man. With this as the guiding principle, YSR has advised bureaucrats at all levels to help revive the functioning of the administrative system at all levels without habitually looking for autocratic 'diktats'. 'Decentralization of administrative power within the guidelines of the policy framed by the government reflects the true spirit of democratic governance", Dr. Reddy argues.
His strength:
Dr Reddy's strength lies in his stature as a mass leader since his advent in politics. Whether in or out of power, he has always championed the cause of the common man. This has endeared him to all segments of the Congress party as well. Even after becoming the Chief Minister in May 2004, Dr Reddy makes it a point to 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's invariable query: "How best will it benefit the people at large or ensure good governance?"
His 'pastime':
A curious 'pastime' of Dr Reddy is to feel the pulse 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 Chief Minister reaches out to even unmotorable areas in the rural areas for personally collecting feedback on the implementation of various programmes. This programme has become extremely popular, because it highlights not what the Chief Minister does in the glare of official publicity, but what his officials may not have done in the people's own words. In view of the rational changes brought about in administrative matters following the success of Rajiv Palle Baata, the Chief Minister now extended the programme to urban areas through Rajiv Nagara Baata.
His Approach:
The Chief Minister's emphasis on development of the rural economy does not presuppose a blinkered approach towards new and emerging technologies. Dr.Reddy is committed to a balanced approach towards giving thrust to information technology, bio-technology and all sectors that enhance industrial and agricultural production. His watchword is total transparency in all transactions and deals that envisage public-private partnerships or involve private investments. Because, YSR believes he is simply a custodian of people's trust that is invaluable. It is not a coincidence that he loves the company of children and often "gets lost" in their World that is founded on trust of the highest order.
YSR Padha Yatra Dr. Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy’s Prajaprasthanam Padayatra 
Every great achievement was once considered impossible. It was not different in the case of Dr.YSRajasekhara Reddy’s prajaprasthanam padayatra.
When Dr.YSR, the then Leader of the Opposition in the Andhrapradesh Assembly -presently the Chief Minister of the State - planned to take up a padayatra in the hot summer of 2003, the friends and the foes alike tried their best to dispirit him. But it is very hard to argue with someone when he is right. It is said that the greatest challenge of life is to decide what’s important and to disregard everything else. And, that’s how none could stop Dr.YSR from creating history.
Even the simplest of tasks will be rated great when it is done in the right spirit. And, what about a great task done in the proper spirit? Just refer to the annals of the contemporary Andhra politics, where you find this “Empathy tour” which provided that most needed “pint of confidence” to the drought hit farming community of the State as a glorious chapter. Stretching to an extent of about 1500 K.M, from Chevella in the South Telangana to the Itchapuram in the North Andhra, this prajaprasthanam padayatra went on for 64 days. A detailed version of Dr.YSR’s personal diary appearing as a serial in ANDHRAJYOTHI daily alone speaks about the reception the padayatra enjoyed among the masses. Every means of communication - the electronic and the print media alike - prominently placed “stories” covering almost every inch covered in the padayatra.
Above all, every section of the society found it relevant and flooded Dr.YSR’s padayatra with requests, requisitions, petitions and complaints. Everyone, inclusive of Dr.YSR, was worrying whether the “public” was aware of the fact that he was then just a leader of the Opposition and not the ruler proper. Yet, the wholething went on all along. Eventually, these requests, requisitions, petitions and complaints formed as a firm data base for Dr.YSR, the chief Minister to efficiently act upon. Let’s back-focus on the prajaprasthanam padayatra to find out what was THE reason behind this padayatra to be marked as a glorious chapter in the annals of Andhra. To state the fact, Dr.YSR was not the only politician or the first one who took up a padayatra to highlight a particular problem that was plaguing a large number of people in a particular place at a particular juncture.
Padayatras were of course a part of Gandhian tradition to reflect and resound the anger of the people to reach the deaf ears of the unkind rulers. Many great soldiers of the Freedom Struggle did resort to this practice and could successfully attract the attention of the State. A parralel can be drawn between prajaprasthanam padayatra and the Raithu rakshana yatra that went along the Coastal line of our State, - from Itchapuram to Tada - under the leadership of a great Gandhian of histimes, Late Shree Kommareddy Satyanarayana in the third decade of the last century . But, prajaprasthanam padayatra was entirely unique on many counts. Prajaprasthanam never had any specific agenda - an open or hidden - for that matter.
As Dr.YSR, the then Opposition Leader on the floor of the Legislative Assembly was not allowed to raise his voice in favour of the suffering farmers of the State, who were resorting to the cynical suicides enmasse, he had no other go but to reach the masses face-to-face. YSR knows too well that, silent company is often more healing than empty words of advice. He didn’t go there seeking a vote or begging for party funds. Instead, Dr.YSR went to every nook and corner of the State relaying the message of Empathy for the struggling sections of our State. This makes it uncomparable to any of the padayatras whatsoever. The farmers and the artisans of our State were given a raw deal by the then Government. A drought for Four consecutive years has eaten away the self confidence of the people. And the endurance levels in the rural areas have gone to the rock bottom. What they needed most at that juncture was a kind word, a note of solace and an utterance of moral succor .
Those were the very things Dr.YSR could provide to the farmers, artisans and other sections of the rural poorfolk of our State. And, for this timely gesture the History remembers him forever! There is yet another factor - a personal one - that made the prajaprasthanam padayatra, historic. During the padayatra Dr.YSR fell seriously ill at Madhurapudi, a village close to Rajahmundry. He was terribly bitten by the hot waves of Godavari District - sending the Mercury levels upto 44 Degrees C - and was forced to be bed ridden for about a week. Apart from the large numbers of masses that were eye witness to his suffering, every notable head in the state was worried and concerned about the state of his health.
A number of leaders from all the streams of politics flew down to Madhurapudi where Dr.YSR was being treated by a team of Doctors. But none - not even the red hot summer Sun-could scare the strong willed YSR in pursuing his further course. He walked down the North Coast to reach Itchapuram where he concluded the epoch making prajaprasthanam padayatra. A person’s degree of self confidence greatly determines his success, observed a wizard. After all, one can not grow into a Hero without taking a risk, people say.
Every great achievement was once considered impossible. It was not different in the case of Dr.YSRajasekhara Reddy’s prajaprasthanam padayatra.
When Dr.YSR, the then Leader of the Opposition in the Andhrapradesh Assembly -presently the Chief Minister of the State - planned to take up a padayatra in the hot summer of 2003, the friends and the foes alike tried their best to dispirit him. But it is very hard to argue with someone when he is right. It is said that the greatest challenge of life is to decide what’s important and to disregard everything else. And, that’s how none could stop Dr.YSR from creating history.
Even the simplest of tasks will be rated great when it is done in the right spirit. And, what about a great task done in the proper spirit? Just refer to the annals of the contemporary Andhra politics, where you find this “Empathy tour” which provided that most needed “pint of confidence” to the drought hit farming community of the State as a glorious chapter. Stretching to an extent of about 1500 K.M, from Chevella in the South Telangana to the Itchapuram in the North Andhra, this prajaprasthanam padayatra went on for 64 days. A detailed version of Dr.YSR’s personal diary appearing as a serial in ANDHRAJYOTHI daily alone speaks about the reception the padayatra enjoyed among the masses. Every means of communication - the electronic and the print media alike - prominently placed “stories” covering almost every inch covered in the padayatra.
Above all, every section of the society found it relevant and flooded Dr.YSR’s padayatra with requests, requisitions, petitions and complaints. Everyone, inclusive of Dr.YSR, was worrying whether the “public” was aware of the fact that he was then just a leader of the Opposition and not the ruler proper. Yet, the wholething went on all along. Eventually, these requests, requisitions, petitions and complaints formed as a firm data base for Dr.YSR, the chief Minister to efficiently act upon. Let’s back-focus on the prajaprasthanam padayatra to find out what was THE reason behind this padayatra to be marked as a glorious chapter in the annals of Andhra. To state the fact, Dr.YSR was not the only politician or the first one who took up a padayatra to highlight a particular problem that was plaguing a large number of people in a particular place at a particular juncture.
Padayatras were of course a part of Gandhian tradition to reflect and resound the anger of the people to reach the deaf ears of the unkind rulers. Many great soldiers of the Freedom Struggle did resort to this practice and could successfully attract the attention of the State. A parralel can be drawn between prajaprasthanam padayatra and the Raithu rakshana yatra that went along the Coastal line of our State, - from Itchapuram to Tada - under the leadership of a great Gandhian of histimes, Late Shree Kommareddy Satyanarayana in the third decade of the last century . But, prajaprasthanam padayatra was entirely unique on many counts. Prajaprasthanam never had any specific agenda - an open or hidden - for that matter.
As Dr.YSR, the then Opposition Leader on the floor of the Legislative Assembly was not allowed to raise his voice in favour of the suffering farmers of the State, who were resorting to the cynical suicides enmasse, he had no other go but to reach the masses face-to-face. YSR knows too well that, silent company is often more healing than empty words of advice. He didn’t go there seeking a vote or begging for party funds. Instead, Dr.YSR went to every nook and corner of the State relaying the message of Empathy for the struggling sections of our State. This makes it uncomparable to any of the padayatras whatsoever. The farmers and the artisans of our State were given a raw deal by the then Government. A drought for Four consecutive years has eaten away the self confidence of the people. And the endurance levels in the rural areas have gone to the rock bottom. What they needed most at that juncture was a kind word, a note of solace and an utterance of moral succor .
Those were the very things Dr.YSR could provide to the farmers, artisans and other sections of the rural poorfolk of our State. And, for this timely gesture the History remembers him forever! There is yet another factor - a personal one - that made the prajaprasthanam padayatra, historic. During the padayatra Dr.YSR fell seriously ill at Madhurapudi, a village close to Rajahmundry. He was terribly bitten by the hot waves of Godavari District - sending the Mercury levels upto 44 Degrees C - and was forced to be bed ridden for about a week. Apart from the large numbers of masses that were eye witness to his suffering, every notable head in the state was worried and concerned about the state of his health.
A number of leaders from all the streams of politics flew down to Madhurapudi where Dr.YSR was being treated by a team of Doctors. But none - not even the red hot summer Sun-could scare the strong willed YSR in pursuing his further course. He walked down the North Coast to reach Itchapuram where he concluded the epoch making prajaprasthanam padayatra. A person’s degree of self confidence greatly determines his success, observed a wizard. After all, one can not grow into a Hero without taking a risk, people say.
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