Chandrababu Naidu Celebrates 76th Birthday with the Poor at Anna Canteen in Vijayawada

Amaravati, April 2026 : N. Chandrababu Naidu marked his 76th birthday on Monday in a simple and people-centric manner by sharing breakfast with the underprivileged at an Anna Canteen in Vijayawada. The Chief Minister’s gesture reflected his continued emphasis on welfare and grassroots connection.

Accompanied by his wife, Nara Bhuvaneswari, Naidu visited the Anna Canteen at Patamata, where he interacted with beneficiaries, including daily wage earners, labourers, and members of the general public. The couple personally served breakfast to those present, exchanging warm greetings and receiving heartfelt wishes from the attendees.

The Anna Canteen initiative, known for providing meals at a nominal cost of Rs 5, has become a vital support system for economically weaker sections such as auto-rickshaw drivers, construction workers, and other daily wage earners. On average, more than 1,000 people avail meals at each canteen every day, making it a crucial welfare programme in the state.

To mark the occasion, Bhuvaneswari made a significant contribution by donating Rs 76 lakh to cover the one-day operational expenses of all Anna Canteens across Andhra Pradesh. As a result, all 269 canteens in the state offered free meals to beneficiaries on Monday. The donation was formally handed over a day earlier, ensuring that the birthday celebration translated into a meaningful public service initiative.

According to official figures, around 2.10 lakh people benefit from the Anna Canteen scheme daily, with the government spending over Rs 54 lakh each day to run the programme. Each canteen incurs an operational cost of approximately Rs 26,250 per day, underlining the scale and impact of the initiative.

Extending her wishes, Bhuvaneswari shared a heartfelt message, praising Naidu’s lifelong commitment to public service. She remarked that his greatest joy comes not from celebrations but from serving the people, and wished him continued health, strength, and dedication to serve society for many more years.

Naidu’s son, Nara Lokesh, also conveyed his greetings through social media. Describing his father as an inspiring leader and mentor, Lokesh highlighted Naidu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from his father’s experience, resilience, and clarity of vision, adding that these qualities continue to guide him in his own public life.

Birthday wishes also poured in from national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his message, Modi lauded Naidu as a hardworking leader and a close associate, noting that Andhra Pradesh has been witnessing steady progress across sectors under his leadership. He wished the Chief Minister a long, healthy life dedicated to public service.

Naidu’s decision to celebrate his birthday among the poor rather than through grand festivities has drawn appreciation from various quarters. The gesture highlighted a governance approach focused on inclusivity and direct engagement with citizens.

As Andhra Pradesh continues to expand its welfare initiatives, the Anna Canteen scheme stands out as a symbol of the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and dignity for all. Naidu’s birthday celebration at the canteen not only underscored this vision but also reinforced his image as a leader closely connected with the needs of the people.