Amaravati, April 9 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Thursday honored the legacy of Father Vicente Ferrer Moncho, the visionary behind the Rural Development Trust (RDT), on his birth anniversary.

"I extend my heartfelt tributes to a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts, implementing a variety of initiatives that have uplifted approximately 2.5 million marginalized and backward communities in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana," the Chief Minister expressed in a social media update.

“Let us be inspired by Vicente, a Spaniard who made significant contributions to the lives of people in the Rayalaseema area, earning their deep respect and admiration,” Naidu remarked.

Nara Lokesh, Minister for Human Resource Development, also commemorated Father Vicente Ferrer, referring to him as a divine blessing for those in need.

“I pay homage to the spirit of service that this extraordinary individual embodied. Arriving in the Telugu region over fifty years ago, Father Vicente Ferrer founded the Rural Development Trust (RDT), becoming a symbol of hope for countless individuals,” Lokesh stated.

“His efforts in building hospitals, schools, self-help groups, sports facilities, and permanent residences for the destitute across the Telugu states cemented his reputation as a true architect of social progress. This year, in honor of Father Ferrer's birth anniversary, we successfully obtained the FCRA clearance for the RDT, ensuring that the Trust's vital services continue uninterrupted. I honor Father Vicente Ferrer, whose selfless contributions will forever resonate in the hearts of the community,” the minister added.

Recently, the Centre renewed the FCRA permission for the RDT.

Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy welcomed this renewal, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their decision.

He emphasized that the renewal under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act would guarantee the ongoing delivery of RDT’s essential services in education, healthcare, ecology, and social development throughout the undivided Anantapur district, significantly aiding the impoverished and vulnerable populations reliant on the organization.

However, the YSR Congress Party leader criticized Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for attempting to take credit for the renewal, questioning the delay that lasted nearly a year to restore permissions that had been suspended on April 21, 2025.

He highlighted that this delay resulted from inaction, which compelled citizens, along with the YSRCP and civil society organizations, to engage in persistent protests demanding the restoration.

He asserted that the renewal was a result of public advocacy and collective efforts, not due to any action from the current government, suggesting that any attempts to depict it otherwise are mere attempts at self-promotion.