Even If I Am Reborn Many Times, I Wish to Be Born as a Telugu Again: CM Chandrababu Naidu
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed his aspiration for the Telugu people to be recognized as a hallmark in the creation of the economy, with leadership in the knowledge economy and entrepreneurship. He stated, “Even if I am reborn many times, I wish to be born as a Telugu and serve my people.” He made these remarks on Sunday in Hyderabad at the Vajrotsavam (Diamond Jubilee celebrations) of TeluguOne Digital Media, founded by Kanthaneni Ravishankar. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and later delivered a speech.
Praising Ravishankar’s determination, Chandrababu Naidu said, “TeluguOne Digital Media began its journey in the year 2000 and now operates across every country with 400 channels. Ravishankar is known for his commitment and perseverance. If I crafted a vision, he matched it with an equivalent vision for channel development. In the past, All India Radio was the sole medium. Later came newspapers, and then electronic media emerged in society.”
Recalling past challenges, he stated, “In 2003, when Maoists attacked me at Alipiri, only Gemini TV was present. But now there are countless channels, many of which have been launched by individuals like Ravishankar. Today, even from home, it is possible to run a channel and earn revenue. While newspapers depend on circulation and satellite channels on TRPs, YouTube channels are measured by views and subscribers. TeluguOne has achieved 55 billion views and 120 million subscribers, hosting 1.6 million videos and over 1,500 films. TeluguOne has become a formidable force.”
He mentioned that Kanthaneni Ravishankar also produced a film on the Amaravati capital city issue, despite facing threats at the time. “Despite adverse conditions, he went ahead with the film, asserting that injustice was done to Amaravati. When censorship blocked its release, it was published on YouTube. Furthermore, 2,000 poor individuals were provided free surgeries under his initiatives. I commend his service activities and congratulate the recipients of the TeluguOne Inspiration Awards,” Chandrababu Naidu stated.
Referring to historical political moments, he said, “I cannot forget how you fought for me when I was arrested. They say the public forgets good deeds, but I saw their response during that time. When a crisis erupted in August, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) was dethroned despite having a majority of MLAs. However, with the proactive role of the Eenadu daily newspaper, NTR was reinstated as Chief Minister within 30 days. Eradicating poverty is our collective responsibility. Through P4 (Public-Private-People Partnership), those at higher levels can adopt and uplift those at the lower levels. NTR rose from an ordinary family with unwavering self-confidence. There may never be another person like him. If one must compare, he must be reborn himself.”
Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the growth of the Telugu community, stating, “In 1995-96, Telugu people were mostly dependent on agriculture. Only Hyderabad and Secunderabad were urban centers. To change the future of our people, I decided to embrace IT and built Hi-Tech City to promote it. This created significant employment opportunities. Today, Indians are present in every country, and among them, Telugu people are in the forefront. Many laughed at the idea of building Hi-Tech City, but we are now reaping its benefits. At present, hard work is not enough; one must work smartly. The knowledge economy now includes historical data and real-time data collection through AI. Earlier I spoke of IT and Hi-Tech City; today I speak of Quantum Valley with AI. By 2047, if Indians are to lead the world, Telugu people must be at the forefront. That is my ambition, and it is achievable. There is no one in the world who can compete with Indians.”
On Amaravati, he remarked, “Two cities are being developed under the create economy – one is Mumbai and the other is Amaravati. Amaravati will become a landmark of the create economy. Hyderabad has become the most livable city. Between 1995 and 2000, I prepared a blueprint and established the Outer Ring Road, Airport, Genome Valley, and Gachibowli Sports City. With your blessings, I got another opportunity. You gave me a chance to develop Hyderabad, and now I have the fortune to offer another city, Amaravati, to the Telugu people. In the future, Amaravati and Hyderabad will stand as the first and second cities.”
Chandrababu Naidu also addressed concerns about media and societal values. “Whatever we do must be rooted in credibility. NGOs and the media must be trustworthy. During the independence movement, newspapers and journalists played a vital role. But now, in this competitive world, values are deteriorating. Social media has both advantages and disadvantages. It has become a platform for character assassination and spreading misinformation. This needs regulation. If the dignity of girls within homes is attacked, society suffers. Central and state governments must consider promoting unbiased media. Those with malicious intent must be restrained,” he said.
