7 hours ago
Ex-prez Kovind lauds Dattatreya, calls him ‘universally admired'
Hyderabad: Former President Ram Nath Kovind lauded Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya as a truly multidimensional figure, remarking on the rare quality of being universally admired. These sentiments were shared at a well-attended event at Silpakala Vedika, where Mr Kovind formally launched the Telugu edition of Governor Dattatreya's autobiography, titled 'Prajala Kathe Naa Atmakatha' (The Story of the People of Telangana is My Autobiography).
The significant gathering included former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, alongside Governors Indrasena Reddy of Tripura, Kambampati Haribabu of Odisha, and Syed Abdul Nazeer of Andhra Pradesh. Kovind recounted Dattatreya's life journey, highlighting his consistent efforts to connect with and uplift individuals from disadvantaged and underprivileged backgrounds. He particularly noted Dattatreya's resilience during challenging periods, including the Emergency, where he reportedly boosted the morale of fellow detainees. The former President also underscored Dattatreya's impactful tenure as Union Minister for Labour and Employment, where his reforms concerning minimum wages, pensions, and welfare programmes benefited thousands. Kovind observed that the sheer number of well-wishers present at the autobiography launch felt more like a birthday celebration for the Governor.
Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu spoke of the extraordinary sight of such esteemed personalities assembled on one stage to honour a genuinely good man with a 'golden heart.' He stressed that Dattatreya's unwavering dedication to public service and his ability to maintain a grounded life serve as a powerful inspiration for future generations. Naidu likened Dattatreya's conduct to a water droplet on a lotus leaf, signifying his consistent integrity regardless of his position.
Expressing concern over politicians frequently changing parties, he commended Dattatreya's steadfast commitment to his ideology and his focus on purposeful politics, always prioritising nationalism and the well-being of society.
The Governors of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tripura, and Telangana all acknowledged Dattatreya's approachable nature, simplicity, and friendly demeanour, qualities that have endeared him to many.
People affectionately refer to him as 'Dattanna' (brother), a testament to the strong bonds he has forged while addressing their concerns. They highlighted his dedication to empowering rural communities and fostering social harmony and national unity. The Governors of Tripura and Odisha shared personal anecdotes of their interactions with Mr Dattatreya, emphasising that his life story remains a source of inspiration for younger generations.
Former Supreme Court Chief Justice N V Ramana underscored Dattatreya's emphasis on human relationships. Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy, Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav, Telangana Road and Buildings Minister Komati Reddy Venkat Reddy, and BJP MP Dr K Laxman also reflected on their associations with Dattatreya. They recalled his impactful work as an RSS Pracharak during the Divineema Cyclone disaster response, his role in establishing the Deen Dayal Housing Colony for those displaced, and the sanctioning of a 300-bed ESI hospital in Visakhapatnam. His initiatives, such as the Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana houses in Musheerabad and Visakhapatnam, further exemplify his profound commitment to serving the poor and needy.
