'A journey that grounded me, connected me', Lokesh on 3-years of 'Yuva Galam' padayatra
Amaravati, Jan 27
Andhra Pradesh Minister and TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh said on Tuesday that his 'Yuva Galam' padayatra was a journey that grounded him and connected him to the struggles of various sections of people.
On the third anniversary of his walkathon, the Minister for Human Resources Development and Information Technology took to X to share his thoughts.
Lokesh, who is the son of Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N. Chandrababu Naidu stated that his politics was shaped in the shadow of people's struggles and their aspirations.
"A journey that grounded me and connected me deeply to the struggles of farmers, women, youth, workers, teachers, students, entrepreneurs, weavers, senior citizens and the underprivileged across Andhra Pradesh. I thank every mother and sister for their blessings, and every citizen who spoke to me with honesty, hope and courage. My politics was shaped in the shadow of your struggles and aspirations," he said.
"I say this with conviction: every policy we draft, every decision we take, carries your voices and your lives at its core. Three years on, I reiterate my vow - to be your soldier, your warrior, and to always stand on your side," Lokesh added.
Meanwhile, addressing the workshop of the TDP parliamentary committees on Tuesday, Lokesh called for providing more opportunities to the youth in the party. He stated that the party should evolve with the changing times and provide opportunities to the young faces at all levels.
Lokesh said 83 per cent of the members in parliamentary committees have been appointed for the first time. He said those who work with commitment have been accommodated in these panels.
He said Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was running the government with a focus on both development and welfare. He asked the party cadres to take the government's schemes to the people.
It was on January 27, 2023, that Lokesh launched 'Yuva Galam (voice of youth)' padayatra, which covered over 3,000 kms and traversed nearly 100 Assembly constituencies.
The TDP termed it a defining moment in Andhra Pradesh's political and civic history and said it transformed public engagement, deepened democratic outreach, and strengthened people-centric governance.
The journey began from Kuppam in Chittoor district with blessings and public fervour, attracting thousands of supporters as Lokesh commenced the march with a simple yet profound pledge -- to walk alongside the people, listen to their struggles, and make their voices the foundation of policy and governance, said the TDP.
"Over 226 days, the Yuvagalam Padayatra covered more than 3,100 kilometres, reaching 97 Assembly constituencies and interacting with citizens in every district -- from rural hamlets to urban centres. The effort yielded remarkable political resonance, with alliance candidates winning in 90 of the 97 constituencies where the Padayatra had traversed -- a strong indicator of the movement's deep connection with public sentiment," it said.
Throughout the journey, Lokesh walked an average of 10-12 kilometres daily, meeting farmers, workers, students, women's groups, entrepreneurs, and senior citizens -- listening earnestly to their challenges on employment, education, infrastructure, farming distress, water scarcity, and youth opportunities.
Despite political and logistical challenges, including temporary interruptions, the Padayatra persevered and reaffirmed a clear message: effective leadership must originate from the ground, in constant dialogue with the people. It set a new standard for public engagement in Andhra Pradesh politics, revitalising community participation and inspiring youth leadership across the state.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a teacher from Vizag, I appreciate leaders who make the effort to connect on the ground. Our education system needs attention, and if such yatras help shape better policies for government schools and teacher welfare, then it's a good step. More power to the youth!
Respect for completing such a long journey. Walking 10-12 km daily for the public is commendable. In Indian politics, we need more of this direct connection instead of just rallies and speeches. Hope other young leaders take inspiration.
While the sentiment is good, let's be honest – this is also smart politics. Covering 97 constituencies and then winning 90 of them shows it was an effective campaign strategy. The true 'grounding' will be seen in daily governance, not just during a yatra.
Yuva Galam is a powerful concept. India's future depends on engaging the youth. Appointing 83% first-timers in committees is a bold and welcome move. Old politicians need to make space for new ideas and energy. 👏
My father, a farmer in Prakasam, met him during this padayatra. He said Lokesh listened patiently to their problems about water and loans. If that listening translates into faster loan waivers and better irrigation projects, then this was time well spent. Fingers crossed.
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