“Pay rich tributes to the People’s Leader who transformed many lives” is the theme of the evening gathered at the FunAsia Richardson, TX on Sunday September 05, 2010 as a part of the first death anniversary of Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy (YSR), former Chief Minister of the state of Andhra Pradesh. This event was organized under the leadership of Dr. Sridhar Reddy Korsapati, Secretary, India Association of North Texas (IANT) and cooperation and active involvement from many Dallas/Fort Worth area YSR FANs. Earlier Mr. Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy, brother of Dr. YSR and the current member of the AP Legislative Council (MLC) visited “Austin Center” a Dallas based homeless shelter and distributed food. The entire Fun Asia Richardson premises reverberated with “Long Live YSR” slogans.
Mr. Rao Kalvala, prominent community leader extended a warm welcome to over 600 members representing various organizations in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Mr. Rao quoted “it’s very hard to believe YSR is no more but thanked hundreds of fans for taking the time out to attend this event. Mr. Vivekaananda Reddy paid floral tributes to the departed leader. A moment of silence was observed in honor of Dr. YSR.
Later Dr. Korsapati invited sixty people representing various non-profit organizations, community leaders, women, children to light the candles signifying 60 years of YSR’s life. Dr. Korsapati invited religious leaders representing Christian, Sikh, Muslim and the Hindu religions and performed prayers in memory of Dr.YSR.
Several members spoke on the occasion and shared their views about YSR and his services to the people of Andhra Pradesh. “YSR’s words are an inspiration to the youth and will help transform their personality” quoted Mr. Ajay Reddy. “Hundreds of welfare schemes undertaken by Dr.YSR has transformed millions of lives, especially in remote villages” according to Dr. Tara Kumar Reddy. “Dr. YSR’s tireless efforts were a boon to the future of the youth and stimulated and energized many across the state of Andhra Pradesh” said Raman Reddy Kristapati. The enthusiasm shown by the YSR fans should become a vehicle to propagate the good works carried by him” quoted Mr. Mahesh Adibhatla. In addition, Mr. Prasad Reddy, Dr. Raja Narendar Reddy Choleti, Gopi Reddy Chillakuru spoke about various service projects initiated by Dr. YSR.
Mr. Prasad Thotakura of Indo American Friendship council and Gandhi Memorial Foundation, Mr. Jintendar Reddy, President of ATA, Mr. Niranjan Patel, President of IANT, Mr. Suresh Manduva, Secretary of the Telugu Association of North Texas (TANTEX) paid tributes to YSR and shared their experiences and association with his programs.
NMS Reddy, President-Elect of TANTEX in his introduction of Mr, Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy said “He is like a Lakshman to YSR and has qualities akin to Swami Vivekananda” words once quoted by none other than Dr. YSR himself. Addressing the gathering Mr, Vivekananda Reddy said his brother not only won the hearts of millions of people of AP but also all of the non-resident Indian community and YSR’s name will be remembered for a long time. Representatives of TANA, ATA, IANT and TANTEX felicitated Mr. Vivekananda Reddy with a bouquet of fresh flowers, garland and Cashmere shawl in true traditional style. The memorable program ended with vote of thanks by Mr. Krishtapati to the attendees, volunteers who spent countless hours of valuable time, donors for their financial contribution and finally to the management of Fun Asia for providing excellent facilities, tasty food and a great meeting ambience.
