Date:26/12/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/12/26/stories/2003122611440300.htm

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

Mother Teresa statue unveiled by Naidu

By Our Staff Reporter

Hyderabad Dec. 25. Coinciding with the Christmas celebrations, a statue of Mother Teresa was unveiled on Thursday by the Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, opposite Keys High School in Secunderabad.

The Universal Cultural Organisation installed the 12.5-feet-high bronze statue. The Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad has developed landscape around the statue at a cost of Rs.6 lakhs.

Mr. Naidu urged people to imbibe the spirit of service and sacrifice shown by the great humanitarian and recalled how the Mother cared for the dying, the crippled, and the unloved.

Even when she was ill she worked for the poor and deprived. "Her selfless service should be emulated by everyone," the Chief Minister said.

"With her dedication for the poor and unwanted she has joined the ranks of Mahatma Gandhi," Mr. Naidu said.

Archbishop, Marampudi Joji, presented a small figurine of the Mother to the Chief Minister. The Labour Minister, T. Srinivas Yadav, the Mayor, T. Krishna Reddy, Della Godfrey and Sripathi Rajeshwar, former MLAs, and P.V. Rajeshwara Rao, former MP, were present.