"You Are Not NRIs in My View: Nara Lokesh Meets Telugu Diaspora in Zurich"

Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics, addressed a gathering of Telugu expatriates in Zurich, Switzerland. Organized by the Telugu diaspora, the event celebrated the contributions of overseas Andhra communities to the state's progress. Lokesh emphasized the emotional and economic bond between these communities and Andhra Pradesh, highlighting their role as pivotal stakeholders in the state’s development.

According to Lokesh, data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2023 shows that Andhra Pradesh received over ₹40,000 crores in remittances, making it the highest among Indian states. He commended the unwavering support of Telugu expatriates for both the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the state government, irrespective of their geographic location.

In a warm address to the attendees, Lokesh remarked, "In my view, you are not Non-Resident Indians (NRIs); instead, you are the Most Reliable Indians (MRIs)." He applauded the diaspora for their unity and solidarity, referencing their widespread protests across countries during critical moments in Andhra Pradesh’s democratic and legal battles.

Lokesh further added, "We hold great love and respect for NRIs. That is why, in the last elections, we not only gave MLA tickets to four NRIs but also appointed several others to nominated positions."

A Strong Connection to Andhra Pradesh

Lokesh expressed amazement at the vibrant Telugu presence in Zurich, quipping, “Looking at the energy here, I wonder whether I am in Zurich or Juvvalapalem!” He highlighted the global success of Telugu individuals and credited the late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) for restoring the community’s pride and visibility on the world stage.

He also praised his father, N. Chandrababu Naidu, for his visionary leadership. Lokesh said, “When Chandrababu Naidu unveiled his Vision 2020 plan, skeptics ridiculed it. However, everything he envisioned back then has come true. Remember the iconic photograph of him in New York with a file in hand and officials in tow? As the Chief Minister, his efforts to bring jobs and investments to Andhra Pradesh transformed Hyderabad into what it is today. Now, he is moving faster than a bullet train, inspiring us to keep up with his pace.”