NTR’s Imprint on State and National Politics Is Eternal: Daggubati Purandeswari
Member of Parliament Smt. Daggubati Purandeswari stated that the impact of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) on both state and national politics is indelible and irreplaceable. She remarked that NTR’s name would endure as long as the sun and moon exist, underlining his everlasting legacy in Indian democracy.
Smt. Purandeswari attended as the chief guest at a special function held at FNCC, Hyderabad, on December 13, where the audio version of “1984 August Democratic Protection Movement – Living History” was formally released. The event began with floral tributes to NTR’s statue, followed by the rendition of the iconic song “Maa Telugu Thalliki.”
The audio version of the book, produced by the NTR Literature Committee, chaired by Sri TD Janardhan with the support of the Jayaprada Foundation, was launched during the ceremony. Several eminent personalities were present, including senior political leader and former minister Sri Mothkupalli Narasimhulu, Sri Nandamuri Ramakrishna, film producer K.S. Rama Rao, Bollineni Krishnaiah, Chaitanya Raju, author Vikram Poola, narrator Smt. Gayatri, Rammohan Rao (member, NTR Literature Committee), Gummadi Gopalakrishna, Mandava Satish, and Madhusudhanaraju Bikbabu, among others.
Author Vikram Poola introduced the speakers at the outset of the event.
In his welcome address, Sri TD Janardhan, Chairman of the NTR Literature Committee, highlighted NTR’s monumental contributions to the film industry and his unmatched leadership in politics. He noted that while Andhra Pradesh has witnessed many Chief Ministers, NTR remains a universally remembered figure, often regarded as a defining line in the state’s political history—marked as the pre-NTR and post-NTR eras.
Speaking on the occasion of NTR’s birth centenary, Janardhan said that the committee was formed to propagate NTR’s principles, ideologies, and values among present and future generations. As part of this initiative, several publications on NTR have been released, and an NTR YouTube channel has also been launched to further spread his legacy.
Delivering the keynote address, Smt. Purandeswari described the 1984 Democratic Protection Movement as one of the most defining chapters in NTR’s life and a landmark event that significantly influenced Indian politics beyond Andhra Pradesh. She recalled that prior to this movement, unethical political defections were rampant and aimed at destabilizing elected governments. However, the collective struggle led by opposition parties, supported by the media and democratic forces backing NTR, resulted in the enactment of the Anti-Defection Law through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment in 1985.
She expressed her gratitude to the members of the NTR Literature Committee and its chairman for their efforts in preserving and promoting NTR’s ideology. She also shared that she played a key role in the installation of NTR’s statue in Parliament and in the issuance of a gold coin in his honour, stating that these efforts were her way of repaying a small part of her debt to her father.
Senior leader Sri Mothkupalli Narasimhulu reminisced about his association with NTR and credited him for enabling his political journey, which included being elected as an MLA six times and serving as a minister. He described NTR as a leader who personally experienced poverty and always carried the concerns of the poor and hungry in his heart.
Sri Nandamuri Ramakrishna, son of NTR, recalled the turbulent political developments of August 1984 and the personal hardships faced by the family during that period. He said that despite returning from the United States after heart surgery and while his wife was battling cancer, NTR was unjustly removed from power. Ignoring medical advice to rest, NTR took his struggle directly to the people and led a historic democratic movement.
On the occasion, Smt. Gayatri, who narrated the audio version of the book, was felicitated by Smt. Purandeswari and Sri TD Janardhan. The event witnessed the presence of hundreds of NTR admirers, political leaders, and members of the film fraternity, making it a grand and memorable success.
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