Legacy of 15th century can show us the way: Prez

Present day administrators can draw lessons in delivering basic and other facilities to the masses from the legacy of Indian emperors, President Pratibha Patil said on Monday.

"We have huge amounts for social welfare and other schemes for inclusive growth. Our delivery systems must be geared up and made more effective and non-corrupt, so that benefits of welfare programmes reach them," Patil said in Hyderabad after inaugurating the 500th Coronation Day celebrations of 15th century ruler Sri Krishnadevaraya, the emperor of Vijayanagar kingdom.

"We must focus on undertaking rural development in a manner that villages become progressive economic units and agricultural productivity is increased. Agro-industries and other productive activities should be undertaken in rural areas," she said.

"The difficulties faced by farmers in dry-land areas, need to be addressed in a multi-pronged manner by putting in place effective water utilisation practices," she said.

Observing that India has assumed leadership in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, Patil called for sustaining it by persisting efforts in this area.

She stressed the need for adopting management techniques in improving civic amenities to ensure Indian cities were livable in the face of growing urbanisation.

Praising the greatness of Sri Krishnadevaraya, Patil said the Vijayanagar empire reached its zenith during his reign, extending from Cuttack in the East to Goa in the West and from the Raichur Doab in the North to the Indian Ocean.

Hailing the legendary emperor as a great statesman and an administrator, she quoted Portuguese traveller Domingo Paes as saying that "Sri Krishnadevaraya was a perfect king, a great ruler and a man of much justice... loved and respected by all."

Andhra Pradesh Governor E S L Narasimhan said the Vijayanagar empire symbolises the pride of what is best and noble in the rich history and legacy of Telugu-speaking people.

Chief Minister K Rosaiah said common people still remembered Sri Krishnadevaraya as an ideal ruler because of his personality.

The month-long celebrations, to be held across the state, will culminate at Penukonda in Anantapur, which was the second capital of Vijayanagar empire, he said.

The state government would also set up a museum at Penukonda, Culture Minister J Geeta Reddy said.

The President unveiled a bronze statue of Sri Krishnadevaraya on the occasion. The programme began with renowned playback singer S P Balasubrahmanyam singing a song in praise of Sri Krishnadevaraya.

Amidst the festivities, President Patil bowled over Rosaiah when she presented him with a 5kg cake on the latter's 78th birthday.

Rosaiah, who loves to keep a low profile, celebrated his birthday for the first time after occupying the top position in the state last year and was deluged by the good wishes sent by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and several other leaders of the Congress party at the Centre.

However, President Patil's gesture was unprecedented.

"It was very kind of Her Excellency, the President of India, Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil to bring a cake for my birthday. I have no words to express my gratitude to her for this kind gesture. I regard it as a special honour for me and will remember it forever. Birthdays will come and go. But to get such a kind gesture from the President is a great matter forever in my life. I am indebted to the Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil for this," said Rosaiah.