His smile touched millions of needy, his courage stood like an iron pillar of confidence…his grace rose to great heights and earned him the name of ‘Atma Bandhu’….he is Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhar Reddy and today is his 64^th birth anniversary.

His attire reflected the essence of Telugu culture and his smile gave that assurance. He was known to be there for those who trusted him. YSR in his three decades of political career has seen many ups and downs not just with his own party members but also with opposition. But still, he never bowed his head and data-faced every challenge fearlessly. This made him the favorite leader of many.The real touch of YSR was felt through his schemes like Rs 2 per kilo rice, Prajabandhu, Jala Yagnam, free power to farmers, Rajiv Arogyasri, Indiramma Illu, Pavala Vaddi for women, fee waivers etc.

The Political Mile

YSR was the second son to Y S Raja Reddy and Jayamma. He finished his medicine in Gulbarga and offered his medical services at Cambell hospital in Jammalamadugu. Throughout his political career, YSR has never tasted defeat and from his student days, he inherited the qualities of a leader. He set up a 30 bed hospital on his father’s name at Pulivendula and offered medical services. In no time, he got a name as the doctor for the poor and ‘two rupees’ healer. During his education, he fought student elections at Gulbarga and became chairman there. In 1977 he became district youth congress leader. He stood in election in 1978 and won against Janata Party candidate Narayana Reddy with a majority of 20496 votes. From then till 2009 he has only been winning. YSR initiated the Padayatra to reach the poor and that got him the CM’s post on May 14^th, 2004. His first signature was on the file granting free power to farmers. His second sign was on waiving off Rs 1200 crores electricity arrears. Later on, he fulfilled all his public welfare commitments.

Golden Period

YS often used to say ‘Kaakila Kalakaalam Brathakadam Kante…Hamsa La Aaru Nelalu Jeevinchandi Chaalu’. True to his words, he showed the best to the poor during his regime. This happened through his various schemes such as Jalayagnam, 108, 104 medical services, two rupees kilo rice, pension hike, Indiramma Illu, ration cards, 25 paise interest loans, setting up IIITs etc. His schemes catered to people of all sections. In 2009 elections, it got him 33 parliamentary seats and 156 assembly seats. He became CM for second time on May 20^th, 2009 reiterating the faith of people on him.

Tragic Demise

As a true leader, YSR not only launched public welfare schemes but also concentrated on ensuring that the schemes are being implemented properly and reaching the people at all times. As part of that he also initiated the ‘Racha Banda’ program. It was on September 2, 2009 when YSR took a helicopter to take part in one of those programs at Chittoor that tragedy struck. YSR lost his life in the copter crash and thousands of hearts broke.

Love For Agriculture

YSR had great admiration and affection towards agriculture. He also believed that any byproduct of agriculture will also give growth and development. Idupulapaya, known as the YS estate was his place for relaxation. He has a strong bond with that place. He set up IIIT for poor students in his own lands. With his death, development programs and Jalayagnam schemes went into pending files.

Political Star

YSR was not just a leader he was also a great strategist and political planner. Throughout his political journey, he saw many challenges and struggles. But he never got affected and moved forward with guts and determination. He didn’t care for the summer heat and took on a Padayatra to cover the four corners of the state. As long as he was in power he did everything possible to bring development to this state. This also earned him the affection and respect from the people. That way, he became a political star and created an unending history. AP Herald salutes this great leader and remembers him in fond silence.