Sanjeeva Reddy a true son of soil: President

Takes part in valedictory of centenary birth fete of former Prez

• Says Sanjeeva Reddy was a farmer till his last breath
• He was a man of many records, took historic decisions
• His message on nation-building still relevant for India
• He was also the main architect of modern-day Andhra Pradesh

Anantapuramu: President Pranab Mukherjee said on Monday that former President Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy's message that it was important for people to work together to build country into a modern nation was relevant even now as society was faced with many challenges. “Dr Reddy's message continues to be of relevance today, as we confront the challenges that our society is facing. They remind us of the important responsibility we have as citizens of India," Mukherjee said, addressing the valedictory function of the Sanjeeva Reddy’s birth centenary celebrations here.

Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, and others were present. Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy, who presided over the function, translated the speech of the President.

After garlanding a portrait of Sanjeeva Reddy and paying rich tributes, Pranab hailed Reddy as a role model in government and politics and one whom the country’s history would always remember for the crucial role he played in important turning points in contemporary politics.

"Dr Reddy was a man with many records to his credit. He was the youngest President, serving from 1977 to 1982. He was the only person to have been Chief Minister (of Andhra Pradesh), Speaker of the Lok Sabha and President.

He was also the main architect of modern-day Andhra Pradesh," Mukherjee recalled.

"He devoted a major part of his life to party work and shifted seamlessly between party and government. He was greatly admired for his dignity in word and deed as well as his iron will in taking decisions and implementing them," the President noted.

He said that Dr Reddy's tenure as President was a period of "unparalleled political turmoil" and saw him swear-in three governments led by Morarji Desai, Charan Singh and Indira Gandhi. "He took historic decisions on a number of important issues. By virtue of his long years in public life and close association with leaders from all sections of opinion, Dr Reddy was able to be a steady hand at the wheel of the State. He lent distinction to the highest office of the land by his idealism and patriotism."

As the first Chief Minister of united State, Dr Reddy "applied himself with vigour" to the development and modernisation of the State and the progress of its people. "He is credited with giving shape to plans for construction of Nagarjunasagar, Srisailam, Sriramsagar and Vamsadhara irrigation projects, which are among the most important milestones in the development of the region," the President added.

He said Reddy “was true son of the soil and a farmer till his last breath." He set high standards by resigning from the Congress as soon as he was elected the Speaker. It was during his tenure that for the first time a man was imprisoned for contempt of the House for raising slogans and throwing pamphlets from visitors' gallery.

Pranab said Reddy, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, joined the freedom struggle at16. During 1940 and 1945, he was imprisoned many times, including during the Quit India Movement. Earlier, he left Hyderabad by a special aircraft along with the Governor and the Chief Minister. After landing at Puttaparthi, they flew here by helicopters.

Governor Narasimhan said that all Telugu people take pride in Sanjeeva Reddy being one of them. Only Sanjeeva Reddy had to his credit that from an ordinary farmer he rose in prominence gradually to become the country’s president, he said. He called upon the people of the district to draw inspiration from such a great leader and strive to emulate him.

Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy said Neelam strove all his life for national integration and also for the welfare of farmers and Telugu people. He was the architect of many a major irrigation project and the farmers would also be indebted to him.