Since I am from UP and one of the few persons in Andhra Bhawan, in Delhi, who cannot speak Telugu; “Sir used to speak in Hindi with me”, says Jagat Singh the personal attendant of the Charismatic leader YSR whose untimely death has triggered the suicide wave in Andhra Pradesh, till date there are reports of 67 deaths in wake of death of YSR.

As per Jagat Singh, Mr. Reddy used to remember names and birthdays of the people who used to work for him and he even gave them presents. Singh says YSR especially brought cloths for him and always remembered to ask about his family.

Jagat Singh also recalls that he was a true peoples’ leader as anyone could meet him without prior appointment and he did not ask for special arrangements during his many visits to Delhi instead he stayed in CM’s cottage a no fuss white bungalow behind Andhra Bhawan. For meals he used to go to Andhra Bhawan Canteen a place which serves Andhra Pradesh delicacies but it is open to public and just has a special wing for visiting dignitaries. No five star treatment for the very down to earth man.

This is what I would call a real tribute, a sincere tribute. A man can be judged by the way he treats the lower staff working for him and if they are so eloquent in his praises means that YSR was a true leader.

His ability to interact with everyone on their level, no wonder the demonstration of public grief and the suicide wave everyone wants to pay their personal tribute in their own manner.

May his soul rest in peace.