The greatest leader of our united State of Andhra Pradesh, Jananetha Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy is no longer with us today. He was the symbol of statesmanship, administration, and compassion for poor.
His legend grew with each passing day, ever since he entered politics at the age of 28 in 1978 while practicing as a doctor in Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, and straight away became an MLA.
After being a key minister in successive governments, he went in to political wilderness for a few years, but never did he leave the hearts of the masses as he fought for the people, be in the opposition or in the government.
People love him so much that they keep his photo on their walls, along with deities. All villages, towns and cities have his multiple statues and named their streets and junctions in his name.
He earned each and every heart and soul with his heart and soul. He does not have a caste or a religion, but only the kindest heart and soul. He belongs to each and every one of us.
We all miss him dearly, and his memory does not leave our minds and hearts. There was never a leader like him and there will never be one like him.
He was unique and matchless. He is heads and shoulders above every other politician that ever gotten in to public service.
YSR walked in and out of our lives leaving fondest memories. He endeared us with his great smile and his compassion for poor, farmers and rest of the society and on top of it, he worked tirelessly to move the state forward, not leaving the poor behind. He was the greatest leader of the masses and will be remembered forever.
A day would not go by for most of us without a thought of this great man and a tear falling from our eyes. His life shows us how to value family, friendships, people and the country. He was the only Chief Minister of any state in our memory to have taken his wife to swearing in ceremony both times.
He never hesitated to stand up for what he believed in. There are politicians everywhere in the world but only a few leaders and statesmen. One of the tallest leaders and a great statesman was our Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy.
We are all proud to have lived in the same time as he lived. Dr. YSR commitment to people was complete, his vision long term, his credibility beyond doubt, his courage to see eye to eye with problems something to be behold.
His dress-up made us feel that he was one of us, a head of each of our families. Simply put, he was a perfect leader that people felt safest to follow, and most confident under his stewardship.
YSR followers across the world observe his Jayanthi every year and celebrate his life and legacy. The best way to commemorate his life is to follow what he preached and followed - compassion, commitment, caring for others, and carefree spirit to achieve the impossible.
His legacy will continue forever.
Johar YSR! Johar Jananetha!!
Gurava Reddy, Atlanta (Convener, YSRCP – NRI Committee)
