President lauds Janmabhoomi project

Hyderabad, November 2: President K R Narayanan expressed his admiration for the Andhra model of self-help, better known as Janmabhoomi, saying this movement had revived the constructive ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

Participating as chief guest at a function organised by the Andhra Pradesh Government to mark the 41st State Formation Day on Friday and the golden jubilee of Indian independence, the President said Janmabhoomi was a new idea to involve people in developmental programmes. He pointed out that Gandhiji had also worked towards developing rural India through self-reliance and hard work.

The significant achievements of Janmabhoomi in Andhra Pradesh showed the way for the rest of the country, Narayanan said while urging other states to emulate the example.

Narayanan also released the “Janmabhoomi philosophy document” and presented the NTR National Film Award to veteran actor Dilip Kumar at the function. He distributed prizes to those who won the State-level Janmabhoomi competitions as well. Praising the Telegu people for their sincerity and hard work, the President recalled that the people’s movement for land reforms had begun in Andhra Pradesh.