A grand seminar on "Role of TNRIs in Telangana Development" was oraganized by TDF NY/NJ chapter. The guest of honor Mr.Suresh Reddy, Speaker AP Assembly spoke during the occasion. He highlighted several important aspects that Govt. of AP is working on to increase foreign investment. According to him, an international airport is well under way and will be ready by 2007, a Bio-Tech park, Nano-Tech park and several other IT related parks are being developed. He said that Govt. of AP is also creating opportunities in Medical Tourism and is working actively towards the development of medical infrastructure.

He talked about recent natural gas discovery and said this opens up opportunities for major investments in the state. He was of the opinion that the next big boom will be in textile industry which will give a boost to rural areas. He said the Govt. of AP will remove all hurdles for investors and had created a single window clearance for the benefit of investors.

Speaking about the Govt. of AP's efforts to develop the state, he mentioned that $10 billion has been sanctioned for irrigation and rural development. With this he added, 10 million acres will be irrigated. Govt's other major area of thrust was technology and for towards this it is working on a plan to lay a broad band network in the entire state in 65 weeks. This would give the rural users tremendous capabilities to interact with and learn from the world over. He said the cost to the common man to access this service will be around $2.2/month.

He was very proud of the achievement of people from AP and said from 'Brain Drain' it has become 'Reversal of Brain Drain'. He wanted this to trend to change to 'Brain Cirulation', hinting at the globe trotting Telugu people.

In his opening, Mr.Madhu K. Reddy, President TDF-USA presented the grim situation prevailing in Telangana region. He said people of Telangana are very capable and the region has resources, still it is under developed. He hoped that technology will bring about a big difference. Mr.Madhu Reddy contradicted Speaker Suresh Reddy's plans for the development of Telangana and said these plans was never implemented and a seperate Telangana is a must and is the only answer. Regarding Greater Hyderbad, he said the emphasis should be on future development of district headquaters and not the city of Hyderabad.

Mr.Ravindranath Reddy ex-MLA, spoke on the need to use Telangana resources for Telangana people and said the sacrifice of Telangana martyrs should not go waste. He requested the TNRI's to lend a helping hand. He expressed his concern over the naxal issue and said the naxals have built a corridor from Nepal to Tamil Nadu. He also said that Jawahar Lal Nehru on the occasion of formation of Andhra Pradesh and integrating Telangana into it, was of the opinion that if the marriage between Telangana and Andhra Regions did not work then there is scope for a divorce.

Mr.Upendra Chivukula, Assembly Man, Franklin Twp. NJ, said that to realize a vision one should act as a change agent. He spoke of basic necessities that should be met first. He also offered a tour of the State House to Mr.Suresh Reddy.

Mr.Ravi Mayreddy who is the present coordinator for TDF-USA Philadelphia chapter, introduced TDF activities to the audience. He detailed all the activities that TDF has taken so far and also introduced its plans for future. Some of the activities that he stressed on was a lecture tour by Telangana intellectuals in all major US cities. He said the partnership with TVV (an intellectual forum in Telangana, India) has helped TDF in many ways and wanted people to become members and contribute to make TDF's vision of a seperate developed Telangana possible. (You can find more information on TDF-USA at www.telangana.org.). A vote of thanks was given by Mr.Murali Chintalapani, TDF-USA coordinator NJ chapter.

Some prominent personalities and leading businessmen from NY/NJ area Mr.Narayan Pirlamarala, Mr.Arjun Dyapa, Mr.Sudhakar Perkari were also present on this occasion. NY/NJ chapter coordinators Mr.Murali Chintalapani, Mr. Sharath Vemula and Mr.Surendar Maddi worked hard to make this seminar a grand success.

This grand exchange of ideas culminated with a wonderful dinner organized by Mr.Sudhakar Seshannagari, Mr.Sharath Vemula, Mr.Anil Golla and Ms.Veda. Special thanks to management of Palace of Jaipur for reception and dinner arrangements. Special thanks to Mr.Surendar Maddi for his video services and Mr.Anil Golla for press release.

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