My Conversation with Senior Journalist
Sri
S Venkat Narayana on Chandrababu Naidu
Vanam
Jwala Narasimha Rao (October 17, 2026)
(Please click on the above link to watch the video): I
am pleased to share this interview with senior journalist S Venkat Narayana,
recorded about two years ago as part of his research for his definitive
biography on the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu. This
interaction gave me a wonderful opportunity to share my personal thoughts and
perspectives on Naidu's leadership.
S
Venkat Narayana, a veteran journalist and former executive editor of India
Today, sought my insights likely due to my unique vantage point. I served
as a Faculty Member at the Dr MCR HRD Institute, a hub from which Chandrababu
Naidu functioned frequently. Remarkably, my tenure mirrored his initial
leadership era: I joined the institute the very week he became Chief Minister
for the first time, and left just weeks after his second term ended.
This
deep, ‘Distant-Near’ association allowed me to observe his governance model
firsthand. In the interview, we discuss his statesman-like qualities and
adherence to the cardinal principles of Good Governance: ‘Availability and
Accessibility.’ We dive into his pioneering preference for IT, the development
of HITEC City, and his emphasis on the national Training Policy through ‘Training
for All (TFA).
We
also explore his conceptualization of SMART Governance (Simple, Moral,
Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent), his role in administrative reforms,
and his signature training concept, ‘Governing for Results,’ which he
personally coined at the Dr MCR HRD Institute. This and another workshop Orientation
to Management of Training (OMOT), to seek commitment of senior bureaucrats of
that time, were very near to his heart, as I presume.
Dr
Venkat Narayana’s recent book traces Naidu’s entire political evolution,
tracking his journey from a humble agrarian background to becoming one of
India's most tech-savvy political strategists. Reflecting on his public life,
one cannot overlook his emphasis on technology, infrastructure, and long-term
planning. His journey, marked by monumental achievements, steep challenges, and
historic comebacks, offers a masterclass in leadership and perseverance.
I
believe a biography of a political leader is most valuable when it goes beyond
simple milestones to explore the ideas, decisions, and ambitions that shape a
leader within their socio-political landscape. I am glad to have contributed a
little of my perspective to Venkat Narayana’s biographical work.
I
am sharing this conversation for friends, well-wishers, and anyone interested
in Chandrababu Naidu’s Historic Leadership Journey.
Do watch the interview and share your thoughts! … and of course feedback and feedforward.
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