Tributes paid to ''Andhra Kesari''

Hyderabad, Aug 22 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today paid glowing tributes to first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu on the occasion of his 135th birth anniversary tomorrow.

In a message issued here, the Chief Minister said Prakasam, well known as ''Andhra Kesari'' was a valiant freedom fighter, eminent Parliamentarian, erudite scholar and able administrator. He was a versatile journalist, who was the founder-editor of 'Swarajya Patrika' and a celebrated legal luminary, Dr Reddy said.

Prakasam, during the 'Simon, go back' agitation in 1928, dared them to shoot him, baring his chest. Thousands of his admirers started calling him as ''Andhra Kesari (Lion of Andhra Pradesh)'' in appreciation of his bravery.

He had championed the cause of statehood for Telugu-speaking people, which was realised in due course of time. As the Chief Minister of AP, Prakasam established an efficient and rural-oriented administration with farmer-friendly policies, he said.

A multi-faceted genius, Prakasam pioneered a spate of progressive reforms inspired by the Gandhian constructive programmes.

The Chief Minister recalled Prakasam's pioneering initiative in the fields of land reforms, community development and education and that he was instrumental in realising landmark achievements like multi-purpose project of Nagarjuna Sagar Project, Sri Venkateswara University, and Barrage across River Krishna at Vijayawada, which was named after him.

UNI