‘Whatever position I am in today, it’s my mother who shaped me,’ says Nara Lokesh

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

Minister for IT and Education Nara Lokesh. File | Photo Credit: G.N. Rao

IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Saturday (August 22, 2026) credited his mother, Nara Bhuvaneswari, for shaping him and said that his father, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu , had little role in his upbringing due to his long and busy political life.

“Whatever position I am in today, my father has no role in it. It is my mother who shaped me,” Mr. Lokesh said during a friendly interaction with students after inaugurating development works at the Z.P. High School in Chandrampalem at Madhurawada, Visakhapatnam.

Mr. Lokesh said Mr. Naidu, who was actively involved in politics, would reach home around 11.30 p.m. and leave again as early as 5 a.m. “It was my mother who brought me up. She used to beat me whenever I did something wrong,” he said.

He recalled an incident from his childhood when he tried to forge his mother’s signature in his report card and was caught. His mother punished him for the mistake, he said, adding that her actions were ultimately for his own good.

Mr. Lokesh was responding to questions from students during the interaction organised after the inauguration of the upgraded school facilities. As part of its CSR initiative, Divis Laboratories has upgraded the school under ‘Project Chandra’ at an estimated cost of ₹6.7 crore. The project includes improved sports facilities, new classrooms, a stage and other infrastructure and amenities for students.

Mr. Lokesh said he had decided to enter politics and no other job, during his 20’s, after being inspired by his father. Responding to a question on his decision to publish an advertisement congratulating students who performed well in the Class 10 examinations, Mr. Lokesh said he was confident that students from government schools would excel.

“Many of them come from poor families and may not receive full support from their parents. They work very hard and their success should be encouraged and supported. That is why I decided to give the advertisement,” he said.

In a lighter interaction with the students, Mr. Lokesh advised them to develop the habit of helping others and stressed the importance of having good friends. “Friends are important in life. They will be with you after your parents. Whatever position you attain in life, you should always remember your friends,” he said.

Responding to a girl student’s question about opportunities for girls in sports, Mr. Lokesh said the Government was planning to introduce ‘She Plays’, an initiative aimed at providing girls with greater opportunities and adequate support to participate in sports of their choice.

Bheemunipatnam MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Divis Laboratories Director Neelima, A.P. TDP president Palla Srinivasa Rao, MLC V. Chiranjeevi Rao and Visakhapatnam District Collector Abhishikt Kishore were among those present.

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform.