Full Support, Invest in AP’s Growth: CM Naidu

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has urged the overseas Telugu community to create wealth globally, but never forget their land of birth.

On the first day of a five-day visit to Singapore along with some of his cabinet colleagues, the chief minister and his entourage participated in the ‘Telugu Diaspora from South East Asia’ event held at the One World International School auditorium.

Telugu NRIs from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia attended the event in large numbers.

The large hall treated the CM to a standing ovation as he walked in. The event began with a rendition of ‘Maa Telugu Thalli,’ proudly celebrating Telugu culture in a fusion of sound, light and colour.

Naidu highlighted AP’s development agenda and the purpose of his visit – namely to boost investments to AP.

“Around 40,000 Telugus reside in Singapore. While you must contribute to the growth of the country where you reside, it is equally important to stay connected to your roots in Andhra Pradesh, India. Make investments in AP’s growth and support the poor. Giving back to your birth country is not just a choice; it is a responsibility.” Naidu averred.

“Wherever I go, I make it a point to meet our Telugu brothers and sisters,” he added amid a round of applause.

The CM explained that the Singapore government had earlier agreed to prepare Amaravati’s Master Plan at zero cost. “However, in 2019, the new government created a rift with Singapore. I am here to rebuild trust."

"I want to restore Andhra Pradesh’s image in Singapore. I have been informing the Singapore government and companies that the missteps of a few individuals are not reflective of the entire Telugu community,” he said.

Naidu said, “While Singapore may not rejoin the AP Capital project, we want to convey these facts. We must ensure such mistakes are not repeated, and that responsibility lies with both me and all of you.”

He announced, “We are developing a Quantum Valley and have announced a Green Hydrogen Valley in AP. We are developing 20 ports and are aiming for 15 to 20 airports. Andhra Pradesh is poised to become India’s logistics hub.”

“We are also working with the Gates Foundation and the Tata Group to improve the healthcare sector. You can invest or serve as service providers; whatever your role, the government is ready to fully support you,” Naidu said.

The chief minister explained that through the P4 initiative, “We aim to reduce the gap between the haves and have-nots in AP, under the No Poverty Mission.” He urged Telugu NRIs to adopt poor families in their native villages.

Naidu said, “If the Telugu diaspora supports P4, nothing would make me happier. Many of you supported us during the recent assembly elections. I was jailed for 53 days for a crime I didn’t commit. You raised your voice in my support globally. I will never forget your solidarity and your sacrifices,” the CM added in a heartfelt recollection.

“It is our good fortune that Lord Balaji resides in our state. We will make special arrangements for NRIs to visit Tirumala. We will work with the central government to introduce direct flights from Singapore to Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati."

"In Singapore, Bengali, Hindi and Tamil are listed as second languages. I request the government that Telugu also be included as a second language,” Naidu pleaded.

The CM asserted, “With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong leadership, we must aim high. While Modi is moving forward with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, AP is progressing with the Swarna Andhra 2047 vision.”