CM Naidu Marks 76th Birthday with Public Service at Anna Canteen
Vijayawada witnessed a heartwarming display of public service as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu celebrated his 76th birthday on Monday. The day began with Naidu sharing breakfast with beneficiaries at an Anna Canteen located in the Patamata area of the city.
Accompanied by his wife Bhuvaneswari, the Chief Minister personally served food to visitors before joining them for the meal, creating a direct and meaningful connection with the public. This gesture highlighted his commitment to grassroots engagement and community welfare.
Substantial Donation to Support Free Meals
Marking the special occasion, Bhuvaneswari made a generous donation of ₹76 lakh to the Anna Canteens programme. This significant contribution will enable the provision of free meals across the entire state for one full day, extending the initiative's reach to countless individuals in need.
Naidu emphasized that the objective of Anna Canteens is not merely charity but ensuring that underprivileged citizens receive clean, nutritious food in a dignified setting. The model draws inspiration from the renowned Tirumala Anna Prasadam system, incorporating proper infrastructure and stringent hygiene standards to maintain quality.
Affordable Meals for Daily Wage Earners
The canteens serve meals at a nominal price of just ₹5, making them accessible to daily wage earners such as auto drivers, sanitation workers, and labourers. This affordability is crucial in supporting those who form the backbone of the state's informal economy.
To ensure consistent quality, the ISKCON Foundation supports the initiative through centralised kitchens. This partnership helps maintain the nutritional value and hygiene of the meals served across all locations.
Expansion Plans and Public Appeal
Providing an update on the programme's progress, Naidu revealed that 269 Anna Canteens are currently operational statewide. Recently, 62 new units have been added, with plans to expand the network to a total of 274 canteens in the near future.
The Chief Minister urged citizens to contribute to the Annadanam initiative, stressing the importance of collective participation in reducing hunger and inequality. He highlighted that such community efforts are essential for building a more inclusive society.
Incident During the Event
During the birthday celebrations, an SPG commando on duty suffered from sunstroke and fainted while Naidu was addressing the media. The personnel was promptly shifted to an ambulance within the CM's convoy, where doctors provided immediate treatment, demonstrating the readiness of the security and medical teams.
The event underscored the government's focus on social welfare programmes that prioritize dignity and nutrition for all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable sections of society.
