Naidu invites Japanese PM for Amaravati foundation stone ceremony

[Hindustani78]

hi-tech Amaravati seed plan unveiled - The Hindu
Updated: July 19, 2015 12:14 IST

High-rises, inland waterway, and elevated metro rail give it a Singapore feel. These artiste’s representations of the future Amaravati show high rises, and inland waterways.
The influence of Singapore is clearly evident in the first representational images of the seed capital of Amaravati, which were released by the government on Saturday. The images were released 48 hours ahead of a visit by the Singapore team led by its minister S. Iswaran to the state to submit the Seed Capital plan.

These artiste’s representations of the future Amaravati show high rises, inland waterway and a well-defined elevated metro corridor. What can be gleaned from these images is that Amaravati is planned to be a administrative and financial hub much in the fashion of Singapore, London’s City and New York’s Manhattan, a city to go to work in but not affordable enough to live in for the salaried classes. The images do show a well laid-out plan for residential areas bordering the river front, albeit a bit away from the core of the seed capital area.

One major highlight of the images is the inclusion of greenery, the hallmark of Singaporean constructions, in the design of the seed capital area. Given its space constraints, Singapore has carefully planned green belts with emphasis on rooftop gardens wherever feasible.

This is one feature that dominates the urban landscape in the Amaravati images with green patches dotting the rooftops as well as high rises. The images also show an extensive area earmarked for agriculture-related activities as is evident from the green patch surrounding the vicinity of the seed capital region.

Another significant feature of the images is a mass transit system within the city with a metro rail and an inland waterway. The seed capital area had been designed to accommodate an elevated metro rail unlike the underground metro of the Island Nation.

The images show how the planners had taken advantage of the riverfront and designed an inland waterway within the seed capital area that could act as an avenue for mass transportation. There is of course the physical connectivity element displayed in the form of a six-lane highway with service roads and a parallel rail link to connect different destinations.

It remains to be seen whether the government gives similar emphasis on the utilisation of the mass transit system on the lines of Singapore where hefty amounts are charged as fee for giving permission for people to drive their own cars. Equally stringent are the provisions related to road safety as licences are liable to be cancelled if the rating given to owners drops below a certain level.

 

[Hindustani78]

Updated: July 24, 2015 17:00 IST
Krishnapatnam eyes river sand import for Amaravati from Far East - The Hindu

Krishnapatnam Container Terminal is making efforts to become a hub for construction material by promoting import of river sand from Southeast Asia for construction of new capital of Andhra Pradesh at Amaravati.

The terminal commissioned with a capacity of 1.2 million TEU in 2011-12 is following multi-pronged strategy to ensure capacity utilisation. Part of Krishnapatnam Port Company Limited, the terminal recorded 59 per cent growth during last fiscal – the fastest by any terminal, according to its Executive Director Capt. Sriram Ravichander.

Mr. Ravichander, who was here to attend a meeting of the CII on tourism, told The Hindu that they were waiting for opportune time to expand the terminal’s capacity by 4.8 million TEU to make it a six million TEU facility. He said they were positing themselves as a construction hub by importing river sand from countries where heavy silt is occurring. The sand is also cost effective.

Stating that rail connectivity to Hyderabad and Bengaluru had put them in an advantageous position, he said reefer movement by train, creating required infrastructure and repositioning staff at Inland Container Depots had made the difference for their success.

Industrial zone

He said they were seeing a big market in not only Telangana but also banking on trade from Bengaluru, Chennai and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. He said they had plans to develop an industrial zone in 12,000 to 13,000 acres belonging to the port. The industrial cluster would be developed on the model of China, he stated.

Mr. Ravi Chander said Siri City at Tada near the port and their proposal for a warehousing and free trade zone would offer them a double bonanza. “We expect to become a gateway to cement exports,” he said. Lot of fly-ash brick units have come up in the region due to location of power plants.

The terminal is also planning to attract container movement of seafood, aquaculture products, cashew, edible oil and furniture.

 

[Hindustani78]

The giant Dhyana Buddha complex at Amaravati.
Amaravati all set to be Mahayana Buddhist centre - The Hindu
Updated: August 12, 2015 05:52 IST

Govt. wants to attract international tourists from China, Japan and Thailand
The ancient town of Amaravati, which forms part of the upcoming capital region of the State, will be promoted as a cradle of Mahayana Buddhism to attract international tourists, particularly those from China, Japan, Thailand and other Asian countries.

Acharya Nagarjuna, known as the second Buddha, was the founder of Madhyamika school of Mahayana Buddhism, one of the two main branches of Buddhism. With the Urban Development Ministry already declaring the ancient Amaravati as one of the 12 Heritage Cities in the country under HRIDAY scheme, the Andhra Pradesh government is focussing on developing a major Mahayana Buddhist tourism circuit encompassing Amaravati and Nagarjuna Konda.

Generally tourists visiting Buddhist circuit go to Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Lumbini and Kushi Nagar. “We want to market Amaravati and Nagarjuna Konda as part of the Buddhist circuit,” a top official told The Hindu .

Following Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s tour to China, a team from Chinese Buddhist Association visited Nagarjuna Konda. The Buddhist Association had assured to contribute its mite in the promotion of Nagarjuna Konda and other Buddhist sites among Chinese tourists and it was equally interested in investing in the tourism projects here.

The official said the State government was planning to establish an exclusive stall in Bodh Gaya to disseminate information on the importance of Amaravati, Nagarjuna Konda and other Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh. He said Buddhist-related festivals were being organised every year between October and March at Bodh Gaya where Buddhist Monasteries from different countries have been established. “We also want to tie-up with those monasteries,” the official said and setting up of Monasteries Boulevard in the new capital region was a major step in this direction.

Various projects have been planned to develop ancient Amaravati town under HRIDAY scheme and also under PRASAD scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism by spending about Rs. 90 crore.

State making all efforts to attract tourists from China, Japan and Thailand

 

[Hindustani78]

Amaravati is ours - The Hindu

The Andhra Pradesh government’s plan to attract world tourists to Amaravati, the new capital area, by showcasing its robust Buddhist heritage has sparked hope, setting off a clamour among various sections to bring back its treasured artefacts, currently on display at a gallery in London Museum.

Josephe Hotung Gallery in the British Museum displays masterpieces of Buddhist sculptures from Amaravati.

A stunning collection of over 120 pieces depicting the famed Amravati sculptures are on display after over three decades of oblivion in the basement of the museum. Excavated by the British almost 140 years ago, the sculptures were shipped to the U.K. from Madras in 1859.

‘Monastery Boulevard’

With the A.P. government spelling out its latest plan to set up a ‘Monastery Boulevard’ in Amaravati to enable Buddhists from across the world build monasteries on the lines of Bodh Gaya in Bihar, people here feel that it’s time Andhra Pradesh staked claim to the Amaravati relics that reflect its hoary past.

Veeranjaneyulu Jasti, chairman, Amaravati Development Authority, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has urged the Centre to do the needful to bring back the sculptures. He says half of the Hotung Gallery has been devoted to Chinese bronzes, jades, paintings, ceramics and Buddhist sculptures, while the second half has Amaravati structures which include “the greatest collection of Indian religious sculptures outside the sub-continent.”

A copy of Mr. Veeranjaneyulu’s letter has been forwarded to the Director-General, Archaeological Survey of India.

A.P. Deputy Speaker Mandali Buddha Prasad, has used every platform to drive home the point that not enough is being done by successive governments to preserve the rich culture of Andhra Pradesh. A reference of the London Museum, which showcases A.P. heritage, often finds place in his public speeches.

He feels that since the Amaravati relics are safe and are well taken care of by the British, they should be left undisturbed. “Moreover, if showcased from that platform, the sculptures will be accessible to viewers from across the world.

“We would do well to focus on the enormous wealth of artefacts that would come into our share after the State bifurcation,” he says. E. Siva Nagireddy, who has worked with the Department of Archaeology and Museums in undivided Andhra Pradesh, echoes similar views:

“We should feel happy about the great care that goes into the maintenance of these precious artefacts. From there, they find wider range of visibility and so we should leave them untouched,” he says.

Centre should do

the needful

Veeranjaneyulu jasti,

Chairman,

Amaravati Development Authority

State plans to attract world tourists to new capital region

 

[Hindustani78]

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandra Babu Naidu calling on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on August 25, 2015.

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandra Babu Naidu calling on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on August 25, 2015. The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Arun Jaitley and the Principal Secretary, Shri Nripendra Misra are also seen.

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandra Babu Naidu calling on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on August 25, 2015.

The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Arun Jaitley along with the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandra Babu Naidu addressing the Joint Press Conference, in New Delhi on August 25, 2015.

 

[cloud_9]

Another pipe dream ? Nonetheless looks nice on paper.

 

[Hindustani78]

(Clockwise) The Buddha sculpture, Sivalingam, and the inscription found in the debris of temple Rajagopuram at Amaravati. —Photos : By Arrangement

Ancient sculptures found in Amaravati - The Hindu

Workers digging up the foundation of the demolished galigopuram of the ancient Amaralingeswara temple in Amaravati have stumbled upon ancient artefacts dating back 1800 years.

The finds include two Buddha sculptures dated to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, a limestone Siva linga from the 4th century AD, and an inscription believed to be from the 10th century.

Archaeologist E. Siva Nagireddy said ancient finds are common in Amaravati, a town with a continuous history of at least 2,300 years. A good number of Buddhist panels were found when the temple was renovated in 1980.

Amaralingeswara temple Executive Officer Srinivasa Reddy said hundreds of such artefacts must be lying in houses scattered across Amaravati. “You dismantle any house in Amaravati, you will find historic articles,” he said. The temple’s galigopuram was demolished amid controversy after the structure had developed cracks in the masonry. The move was opposed by local people who believe that disturbing the gopuram is tantamount to tampering with the original structure of the temple.

The galigopuram is to be rebuilt at a cost of Rs. 1.56 crore in the next one year. The temple is said to been last renovated in 1796 by the local zamindar Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu.

 

[Hindustani78]

One more Buddha sculpture found at Nidamarru - The Hindu

Updated: September 14, 2015 05:47 IST
Frequent discoveries of precious artefacts of the Buddhist era in ancient Amaravati town and its surrounding areas are telltale signs of the criminal neglect of our cultural wealth. This region abounds in untapped historic wealth.

A survey conducted in and around Nidamarru, a village in the CRDA, close to Mangalagiri town, yielded yet another image of Buddha of the Vajrayana phase.

The team involved in the survey was led by E. Sivanagi Reddy, archaeologist and CEO of The Cultural Centre of Vijayawada.

The ancient find is an Amitabha sculpture of Buddha in dyana mudra in Padmasana. Amitabha’ means ‘infinite light’; it is also called ‘The Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light’. Practitioners of the Pure Land Schools of Buddhism (found in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan) believe that reciting the holy name of Amida (Amitabha) Buddha with devotion will direct their consciousness into his “pure land after death”.The 4-ft-high and 3-ft-wide sculpture is carved out of black basalt stone.

“The unique feature of this image lies in the Ushnisha , the flaming décor on the head of Buddha, symbolising the enlightenment,” says Prof. Nagireddy.

Pointing to the position of the sculpture’s arms which indicate that the hands are held on the lap in a gesture of meditation, he says it suggests that this sculpture represents Amitabha, a celestial Buddha who presides over the pure land of paradise of Sukhavati in the western quadrant of the cosmos.

“Devotion to Amitabha Buddha and the desire for rebirth in his pure land has been a major component of Buddhists’ practice in Andhra since at least the 8{+t}{+h}century AD onwards,” he informs.

Prof. Nagireddy says the Amitabha Buddha statue of Nidamarru can be assigned to the 10{+t}{+h}-11{+t}{+h}centuries AD, when Buddhism in its last phase, called Vajrayana, was in practice at Amaravati, Guntupalli, Pulikat Lake, Sankaram, Ramatirtham and Salihundam.

 

[Hindustani78]

Rs. 1,000 cr. project to connect Rayalaseema with Amaravati - The Hindu
Updated: September 29, 2015 10:54 IST

Union Ministry approves six-lane highways. The project also envisages connecting NH 40 and NH 65 via Kurnool, Kadapa and Anantapur over a distance of 132 km.
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved a Rs.1,000 crore project to convert state highways into national highways. The project is mainly aimed at connecting Anantapur to the new capital, Amaravati, via Kurnool covering a total distance of 452 km.

Apart from connecting Anantapur to Amaravati by linking National Highway (NH) 44 and NH 65, the project envisages connecting NH 40 and NH 65 via Kurnool, Kadapa and Anantapur over a distance of 132 km. The existing four-lane roads would be expanded to six and eight lanes. Union Minister for Surface Transport Nitin Gadkari has agreed to proposals to this effect by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and sent letters to the AP government.

According to the Chief Minister’s office, the entire project would be taken up in the public-private partnership (PPP) mode. The Union Ministry has made it clear that land acquisition would be the sole responsibility of the State and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) would commence work once the State accorded land clearance. Funds for the project would be drawn from the National Highway Authority of India’s (NHAI’s) budget.

Mr. Gadkari also gave an in-principle nod for the proposed 186-km Outer Ring Road (ORR) around Amaravati, which would be the world’s longest ring road connecting the new capital from different directions. It would would give a fillip to economic activity in the new city.

The main purpose of the Government is to enable people to reach the new capital in four to five hours from Srikakulam, Anantapur, Kurnool or Kadapa. Another significant feature of the proposed highway is the quick connection it would establish between the IT hub Bengaluru and the State Capital.

 

[Hindustani78]

PPP model may drive new Andhra Pradesh capital's development

Hyderabad: The Centre would help in raising essential administrative buildings like legislature for Andhra Pradesh, while a Master Developer would pitch in for development of the capital city, a top state government official has said.

"It will largely be a PPP arrangement except those buildings which are going to be built with the help of the Union Government like the legislature... The Union Government is bound to provide these according to the (Andhra Pradesh)

Re-organisation act," Parakala Prabhakar, Advisor (Communications) to the state government, said.

The foundation stone for AP's capital city Amaravati, coming up in the Vijayawada region, would be laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 'Vijaya Dasami' day of October 22.

The state government is planning to organise the foundation stone laying ceremony on a grand scale, without being extravagant, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said last week.

It has "pooled" more than 33,000 acres of land from farmers and other land owners in the region as per its "land pooling scheme" offering them benefits like share in developed land.

Asked about mobilisation of funds for capital city development, Prabhakar said the Master Developer, to be chosen in the Swiss Challenge method, will have to bring in investments in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

"That is the job of Master Developer. Master Developer is not a builder. He is a developer. He will have to bring in investments in a Public Private Partnership. That is the reason why Government of AP or its agencies will take a stake so that these things when they yield profits, they are going to be beneficiaries of those profits or returns," he said.

Chandrababu Naidu had already said the government would adopt a transparent procedure, like Swiss Challenge, for developing the capital city.

Besides raising administrative buildings, the State government would make efforts to establish hubs of activity in areas like health, education, knowledge, sports, legal and also entertainment in the capital region so that vibrant economic activity takes place.

Singapore and Japan, countries, which are economic and technological powerhouses, have been requested to join the endeavour to develop Amaravati as a grand city and they have shown interest, Naidu had said.

Prabhakar said about one lakh invitations, including about 5,000 VIPs across the country, would be sent out for the foundation laying event.

The VIPs include Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all states, Governors of all states, judges, MPs, eminent personalities and also top industrialists.

Public representatives at the grass-root level in the state and about five lakh common people would attend the function, he said.

During the two-hour event, the Prime Minister would walk through an exhibition depicting the past, present and future of Amaravati.

Amaravati, the historic village in present day Guntur district after whom the capital city is named, was the capital of Satavahanas and other rulers, besides being a place of immense Buddhist significance. The Prime Minister would visit Tirupati after the two-hour-long foundation laying function.

The state government said water and soil would be brought from all the villages in the state to Amaravati. Its mixture would be used in capital city construction. The idea is to promote an emotional bond with the capital city among the people.

 

[Hindustani78]

At 12.45 pm on October 22, Andhra Pradesh's world-class capital Amaravati will start to take shape when Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongwith Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will lay the foundation stone of the city that is being dubbed to emerge as the most modern city in entire South Asia.

Key highlights of the new mega smart and green city:

• Amravati city spans an area of 217 sq. km. between Vijayawada and Guntur towns on the banks of the Krishna river.
• The development of the city will be completed in five stages by four different departments. Gateway, Down-town, Government core and Water-front are the four departments to carry out the respective developments.

• It incorporates the concepts of Vastu and Feng Shui besides a completely green method of construction.
• 40% area of capital would be open and green.
• The city would comprise various zones of business parks, residential townships, gardens, water bodies and recreational spaces.
  
  
  
  
  • The Krishna River will be at core of the new city as a water network of over 80km – with a 35 km long waterfront promenade - will be developed.
  • Besides the capital area in Amravati, 7 regional centers will be developed in the vicinity and they will be linked to the core by rapid transport systems.
  • Of the total road network of 938 km, 127 km will be in the form of expressways and semi-expressways.

 

[Hindustani78]

Greenfield airport: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu performing ‘bhoomi puja’ for an airport at Orvakal in Kurnool district on Wednesday.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-at-amaravati-vizag-naidu/article19121650.ece

Lays stone for a functional one at Orvakal; ‘common man stands to gain’

Airports better than the one in Hyderabad would come up at Amaravati and Visakhapatnam in the private sector, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced at Orvakal on Wednesday. The State government was according priority to logistics and augmentation of passengers and good transport, expansion of roads, railway network and ports in the State, Mr. Naidu said at a meeting after laying the foundation stone for a greenfield no-frills airport at Orvakal in Kurnool district. The airport, coming up on 1,010 acres at a cost of ₹90 crore, would be completed in a year, he asserted.

The Central government launched the UDAN regional connectivity scheme to make air travel affordable to the common man, Mr. Naidu said. His government revived the Kadapa airport and developed international airports at Tirupati and Visakhapatnam.

‘A hub in the making’

Promising completion of roads, rail lines and ports by next year-end, he said Kurnool would become a major highway junction connecting Hyderabad, Bellary, Bengaluru, Kadapa and Amaravati. The Orvakal airport would spur development of townships, hotels and tourism would get a boost in the district which has several ancient and historic temples. Kurnool MP Butta Renuka, MLAs Gauru Charitha Reddy, B.C. Janardhana Reddy, S.V. Mohan Reddy, Principal Secretary of Energy and Airports Ajay Jain, A.P. Solar Power Corporation CEO V.S.R. Naidu, A.P. State Energy Efficiency Development Corporation CEO A. Chandrasekhar Reddy, A.P. Solar Power Corporation G. Adiseshu and TDP leaders were present.

Food processing unit

Earlier, he laid foundation stone for the Jain Irrigation Systems agro and food processing unit at Thangadancha in Jupadu Bungalow mandal.

The unit would generate direct employment to 3,500 persons and indirect employment to 10,000 persons.

Stating that drip and sprinkler irrigation tools were being given at 90% subsidy, the Chief Minister said horticulture would be more profitable to farmers than agriculture in the four Rayalaseema districts.

Deputy Chief Minister K.E. Krishnamurthy, MLAs S. Aisaiah, B. Rajasekhara Reddy, Mani Gandhi, and Jain Irrigation Managing Director Anil Jain were among those present.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu being welcomed by the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri E.S.L. Narasimhan, on his arrival, in Vijayawada on August 26, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu being welcomed by the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri E.S.L. Narasimhan and the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Chandrababu Naidu, on his arrival, in Vijayawada on August 26, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu being welcomed by the Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Y.S. Chowdary, on his arrival, in Vijayawada on August 26, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at a State Reception being hosted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, at Velagapudi, in Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh on August 26, 2017. The Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri E.S.L. Narasimhan, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, the Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Y.S. Chowdary and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu being presented with a memento by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradedh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, at a State Reception being hosted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, at Velagapudi, in Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh on August 26, 2017. The Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri E.S.L. Narasimhan, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, the Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Y.S. Chowdary and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu unveiling the plaque for construction of 2.25 lakh new houses in Andhra Pradesh, at a State Reception being hosted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, at Velagapudi, in Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh on August 26, 2017. The Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri E.S.L. Narasimhan, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradedh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, the Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Y.S. Chowdary and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering after receiving a State Reception being hosted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, at Velagapudi, in Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh on August 26, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
01-September, 2017 18:34 IST
Speech by the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the Civic reception and public meeting at S V Arts College Grounds, Tirupati

This is only my second visit outside Delhi since being elected as the President of India. My first visit had taken me to our valiant soldiers in Leh, in Jammu and Kashmir. And I am honoured that my second trip has brought me to Andhra Pradesh, which is one of our most dynamic and cherished states. I am doubly blessed at the opportunity of coming to the sacred soil of Tirupati and getting a darshan of Lord Balaji.


The people and history of Andhra Pradesh are a pride for every Indian. This is a land of great heroes and great achievements. From the Satavahana Empire of ancient times to the leadership of people like T. Prakasam, whom we remember with reverence as “Andhra Kesari”, this region has given the country so much. In recent times, Andhra Pradesh has been fortunate to have given birth to at least two far-sighted political leaders – the late Chief Minister Shri N.T. Rama Rao and our former Prime Minister, Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao. This region has produced three Presidents in the past Late Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Late Shri V.V. Giri and Late Shri Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy. You have also given me an invaluable colleague – Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu as Vice President.


Three years ago, Andhra Pradesh made a new beginning. Under the capable leadership of Shri Chandrababu Naidu, it is making rapid progress in many fields. The Union government is giving all-out support for the welfare and uplift of the people of Andhra Pradesh. I had recently visited Vijayawada and was very impressed by its development. I am looking forward to one day visiting the new capital of Amaravati, which is being built as a city with 21st century technology.


In so many areas of human endeavour, the people of Andhra Pradesh are role models for the country. Farmers from this region have contributed substantially to our rice production, among other crops. In adoption of technology for social development programmes, Andhra Pradesh has shown the way to the rest of India. Andhra IT and infrastructure companies are famous nationally and internationally.


All over the world, Telugu people are shining success stories. In the United States, the dedication and accomplishments and doctors from Andhra Pradesh have won widespread recognition. This makes all of us proud.


Friends

Andhra Pradesh’s social and economic achievements in the past few years mirror the transformation of India. Yet, as we march forward, we must ensure that this is a journey for all – and not just a journey for some. I am happy that the Government of Shri Chandrababu Naidu is taking all measures for the welfare of the poorer and marginalised sections of society.


This is a vision that is in keeping with what the Father of our Constitution, Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar, taught us. He emphasised the values of education and human dignity. Benefits of all welfare schemes must reach the last house in the village. And the Government of India and the Government of Andhra Pradesh are jointly striving in this direction.


That is why the purpose of my visit here is so personally satisfying for me. The Ambedkar Skills and Training Academy is planned as a modern marvel in Tirupati – a world-class job-oriented centre that will focus on youth from marginalised communities. It will train them in skills that will help them get employment in government and private organisations.


This function also commemorates two other parallel initiatives of the Government. The first is Stand-Up India, a Government of India scheme that is facilitating bank loans from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore to individual entrepreneurs or small enterprises belonging to those from marginalised sections.


This is a very important scheme – because it provides poor people the chance to become job creators. In Andhra Pradesh, entrepreneurship is in the DNA of society. This is the energy of youth that Stand-up India seeks to channel.


The second parallel initiative is the Land Purchase Scheme of the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Co-operative Finance Corporation. This provides agricultural land to women members of traditionally marginalised communities. It boosts the earning potential of women, and gives them a solid economic asset in the form of a land holding. It also empowers them socially and within the family.


I congratulate the Andhra Pradesh government for this initiative. This scheme will not just change the life of an individual woman, but that of an entire family. Women, nurturing the family at home and toiling in the fields or workplace, are the backbone of our society. Economic empowerment of women will bring about social change.

Friends

Earlier today, I was privileged to visit the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, within which is the Sri Padmavathi Medical College for Women. There I inaugurated a new hospital building. I wish and pray that the hospital and its team of dedicated doctors, nurses and care-givers ensure the good health and well-being of the people of Tirupati and surrounding areas.


May Lord Venkateswara bless us all!


Thank you


Jai Hind


***

 

[Hindustani78]

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind visiting Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru, at Tiruchanur, Andhra Pradesh on September 01, 2017.