NTR an Inspiration for Generations, Says Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao
Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said that Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) remains a lasting source of inspiration for the Telugu people and that his ideals will continue to guide future generations.
Speaking on Saturday at the fourth anniversary celebrations of the NTR Literature Committee held at the Film Nagar Cultural Centre in Hyderabad, the minister recalled that he entered politics through the inspiration and encouragement of NTR. He described the former Chief Minister as a visionary leader who empowered the poor, backward classes, weaker sections, and the politically marginalized.
Tummala praised the NTR Literature Committee, led by T.D. Janardhan, for its efforts to preserve and promote NTR's legacy across the world. He said the committee's work would ensure that the history and ideals of the legendary leader continue to inspire generations to come.
Former Telangana Assembly Speaker M. Madhusudhana Chary said NTR transformed the political landscape by giving representation to communities that had long remained outside the corridors of power. He remarked that, irrespective of political affiliations, NTR occupies a permanent place in his thoughts and credited him with understanding the struggles of ordinary people and empowering neglected communities.
The celebrations were attended by several prominent personalities, including NTR's son Nandamuri Ramakrishna, Telangana Press Academy Chairman K. Srinivas Reddy, Lok Satta founder Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, producers K.S. Rama Rao, T. Prasanna Kumar, Bhagiratha, Vikram, Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao, Kaikala Nageswara Rao, former minister Mothkupalli Narasimhulu, Gummadi Gopalakrishna, Professor Venkatrao, and other distinguished guests.
During the event, the committee presented its published works, including Yugapurushudu, Shakapurushudu, Tarakaramam, and Sajeeva Charitra. Producer Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao was felicitated for purchasing NTR's former residence in Chennai and converting it into a museum dedicated to the legendary leader.
Addressing the gathering, Committee Chairman T.D. Janardhan said the organization was established during NTR's birth centenary with the objective of digitally documenting his life and achievements. Over the past four years, the committee has published daily content, released several books, organized programs across India and abroad, and received an overwhelming response from Telugu communities worldwide.
Telangana Press Academy Chairman K. Srinivas Reddy described NTR's political journey—from his entry into politics to becoming Chief Minister—as one of the most remarkable chapters in Indian political history. He noted that even political opponents admired NTR's leadership and speeches, adding that he was also supportive of journalists.
Lok Satta founder Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan said NTR brought national recognition to the Telugu language, culture, and identity, earning respect for Telugu people across the country through his visionary leadership.
Former minister Mothkupalli Narasimhulu credited NTR with shaping his political life, saying the former Chief Minister conducted politics without intermediaries and introduced numerous welfare initiatives for the poor.
Producer T. Prasanna Kumar praised NTR as a legendary actor who elevated Telugu cinema to international recognition before voluntarily stepping away from a successful film career to dedicate himself to public service. He said NTR introduced several landmark welfare schemes during his tenure as Chief Minister.
Nandamuri Ramakrishna congratulated the NTR Literature Committee for preserving and promoting his father's legacy and expressed confidence that it would continue its work in the years ahead.
Producer Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao recalled NTR's immense influence on Telugu society, describing him as a visionary whose political reforms transformed the lives of millions. Although NTR is no longer physically present, he said, his ideals continue to live on among the people.
The gathering also featured addresses by Kaikala Nageswara Rao and Vikram Poola, Chairman of the Telugu Official Language Commission. Committee members felicitated T.D. Janardhan, Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, producer Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao, and producer D.V.K. Raju. Dr. R. Devanna, who is translating Shakapurushudu into Kannada, was also honoured.
The programme was compered by Gummadi Gopalakrishna and Kalaratna Bhagiratha, while Doppalapudi Ram Mohan Rao delivered the vote of thanks.
