CBN: 'Inspired by NRIs to launch Janmabhoomi'

Former chief minister and Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu has popularised his pet Janmabhoomi programme when he was in power for nine long years. Do you know who had inspired Babu to launch the programme. Babu himself says he was inspired by Telugu NRIs.

Let's read what Babu has to say in his message on the eve of his visit to the USA.

"Every time I go abroad, I meet a lot of Telugu people and get to know about their developments. Every single interaction gives me a sense of pride and happiness and proves that one need not only grow in their motherland but anywhere in the world.

"However, the longing towards the motherland is like a young child removed from the hands of a mother. It is this longing that keeps the connection with the motherland.

"This strong connection between the Telugus overseas and Andhra Pradesh and their initiatives for sustainable development activities in their places of origin inspired me to start the "Janmabhoomi Programme" during my Chief Ministership. This programme received an overwhelming response from the Telugu Diaspora to contribute for causes related to health and hygiene, education and community development in their native places. The giving patterns are further diversifying as more Telugus continue to make their mark in their countries of origin and settlement.

"In 1982, Shri.N.T.Rama Rao started the Telugu Desam Party to preserve and perpetuate the Telugu Pride and Identity. In this 25th year of the founding of the Telugu Desam Party, we are only carrying his dream beyond the borders of Andhra Pradesh and India.

"During one of my visits to the United States, I met this young and enthusiastic lady working for an MNC who amazed me with her innovative ideas towards starting various kinds of development projects in Andhra Pradesh that would benefit people below poverty line. In fact, I have witnessed some of her ideas being translated into reality in few villages.

"Another interesting incident was that of the visit of a small group of Telugus from Mauritius who met me during their pilgrimage to Andhra Pradesh. Their forefathers left our shores nearly 200 years ago. He also mentioned how over generations of their existence in a distant land they were able to maintain Telugu identity there by preserving our rich heritage. I was really moved when I learnt that in fact Telugu is a religion in Mauritius and it is a way of life.

"The economic and intellectual success of the Telugus has not only boosted the confidence of the entire Telugu community but also has had a ripple effect back in Andhra Pradesh. This has sparked a wave of entrepreneurship and is contributing significantly to the economy by way of charity, employment generation, intellectual capital and remittances.

"There is still further scope for bridging this gap and this is a major challenge for me as representative of the people, and for all of us Telugus residing in Andhra Pradesh who have benefited immensely from the success of Telugus beyond the borders of Andhra Pradesh.

"Due to the repeated requests of Telugus overseas and as one of the ideals of the Telugu Desam Party, we have created this platform, to begin with in the cyber space to connect all Telugus across the globe.

"I am happy to announce the launch of nritdp.org. To make this a successful endeavour, I request all the Telugus overseas to actively participate to preserve and perpetuate Telugu language, culture, customs and traditions. I also request the Telugu Diaspora to continue to share your economic and intellectual prosperity for the well-being, welfare and development of Andhra Pradesh making it a model state not only in India but also overseas, thereby making every Telugu feel proud about their homeland."