Articles
Malaysia Telugus pay tributes to Dr.YSR
Malini Ramanan
The Telugu Association of Malaysia (TAM) organized a ‘Santapa Sabha’ in memory of the late Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy, popularly known as YSR, who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, 2 Sept 09. This service was held at the Indian High Commission, Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 11 Sept 09 from 6.30 – 8.30 pm.
The VIPs who attended this gathering were the High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Sri. Ashok K. Kantha and the Deputy High Commissioner of India, Sri. B. N. Reddy. About 100 people turned up for this service, with some coming from as far as Teluk Intan and Bagan Datoh.
At the outset, the MC of the programme, Mrs. Durga Priya gave a detailed account of YSR’s contribution to the people of Andhra Pradesh and then went on to recite poetic verses which stirred the sentiments of one and all.
Following this, a one-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect for this dynamic leader.
The TAM president, Dr Achaiah Kumar Rao, in his emotional speech expressed his condolences to YSR’s family and said that country had lost a leader who had touched the hearts of the Telugus not only in Andhra but all over the world. The TAM president and members then joined the VIPs to garland the picture of the late CM and pay their last respects to him.
Next there was a moving rendition of Indian classical music by well-known sitarist Mr. Steven, accompanied by an equally talented tabla artiste Mr.Ravi. The 30-minute recital captivated everyone in the hall.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy High Commissioner of India, Sri. B.N. Reddy shared his nostalgic memories of this public figure that he had known as a child. He said that the ties between the CM’s family and his own were very close, adding that the late CM had in fact approached his (i.e. Reddy’ s) father for advice before embarking on his political career. The fact that he was elected to serve as the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for two consecutive terms stands testimony to his popularity as a politician and administrator. YSR impacted the lives of the poor, beyond measure, through various schemes. For instance, Rajiv Arogyasri enabled the underprivileged to get free treatment, including heart operations and for life threatening diseases. Highlighting that hundreds of patients got a new lease of life through this arrangement, Sri. B.N. Reddy pointed out, this could have well been the reason why YSR’s death caused shock waves, claiming the lives of so many in Andhra.
A slide show depicting the tragic helicopter crash and the surging crowd from across the country that had gathered for his funeral, presented by Venkates garu with voice over done by Mrs. Durgapriya, also enlightened the audience as to the proactive trend of this charismatic “peoples’ hero” who initiated different schemes such as Pavala Vaddi, Abhayahastham, Rajiv Aarogyasri, Indiramma Houses, etc., during his tenure as the CM of Andhra Pradesh.
Malaysia Telugus pay tributes to Dr.YSR
Malini Ramanan
The Telugu Association of Malaysia (TAM) organized a ‘Santapa Sabha’ in memory of the late Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy, popularly known as YSR, who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, 2 Sept 09. This service was held at the Indian High Commission, Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 11 Sept 09 from 6.30 – 8.30 pm.
The VIPs who attended this gathering were the High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Sri. Ashok K. Kantha and the Deputy High Commissioner of India, Sri. B. N. Reddy. About 100 people turned up for this service, with some coming from as far as Teluk Intan and Bagan Datoh.
At the outset, the MC of the programme, Mrs. Durga Priya gave a detailed account of YSR’s contribution to the people of Andhra Pradesh and then went on to recite poetic verses which stirred the sentiments of one and all.
Following this, a one-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect for this dynamic leader.
The TAM president, Dr Achaiah Kumar Rao, in his emotional speech expressed his condolences to YSR’s family and said that country had lost a leader who had touched the hearts of the Telugus not only in Andhra but all over the world. The TAM president and members then joined the VIPs to garland the picture of the late CM and pay their last respects to him.
Next there was a moving rendition of Indian classical music by well-known sitarist Mr. Steven, accompanied by an equally talented tabla artiste Mr.Ravi. The 30-minute recital captivated everyone in the hall.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy High Commissioner of India, Sri. B.N. Reddy shared his nostalgic memories of this public figure that he had known as a child. He said that the ties between the CM’s family and his own were very close, adding that the late CM had in fact approached his (i.e. Reddy’ s) father for advice before embarking on his political career. The fact that he was elected to serve as the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for two consecutive terms stands testimony to his popularity as a politician and administrator. YSR impacted the lives of the poor, beyond measure, through various schemes. For instance, Rajiv Arogyasri enabled the underprivileged to get free treatment, including heart operations and for life threatening diseases. Highlighting that hundreds of patients got a new lease of life through this arrangement, Sri. B.N. Reddy pointed out, this could have well been the reason why YSR’s death caused shock waves, claiming the lives of so many in Andhra.
A slide show depicting the tragic helicopter crash and the surging crowd from across the country that had gathered for his funeral, presented by Venkates garu with voice over done by Mrs. Durgapriya, also enlightened the audience as to the proactive trend of this charismatic “peoples’ hero” who initiated different schemes such as Pavala Vaddi, Abhayahastham, Rajiv Aarogyasri, Indiramma Houses, etc., during his tenure as the CM of Andhra Pradesh.
 Mrs.Durga Priya sharingdetails on Dr.YSR’s Development Programs |
 VIPs listening to Mrs. Durga Priya’s Telugu Verses |
 Praying Tributes to Dr.YSR |
 Classical Music by Mr.Steven & Mr.Ravi |
 Dr Achaiah Kumar Rao speaking about Dr.YSR |
 speech by the Deputy High Commissioner of India, Sri. B.N. Reddy |
