Minister Bala praises Naidu commitment
LAUTOKA
Minister for Employment, Productivity, Industrial Relations and Youth and Sport Parveen Bala said the late Group Financial Controller for the Reddy Group of Companies Gyanendra Naidu was committed to his work.
Speaking during a remembrance gathering for Mr Naidu at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka Mr Bala said despite this commitment, Mr Naidu was actively involved in religious, education and community works.
Mr Naidu was laid to rest in Auckland, New Zealand yesterday following a funeral service attended by Reddy Group of Company chairman Yanktesh Permal (YP) Reddy, and close family members from both families and Fijians.
“At times we had different views on different issues but we were still good friends and it is as a good friend I bid him farewell today.
“He was a man of strong South Indian beliefs.
“I am sure his faith kept him strong during some difficult times.” Mr Bala said he had come to learn of Mr Naidu being sick when informed by Mr YP Reddy when he called to wish him New Year greetings.
Rohit Reddy, a director of Reddy Group of Companies, in his eulogy in Auckland said Mr Naidu treated the company as his own and “became the face of the Reddy Group in Fiji as dad (Yanktesh Permal Reddy) started spending more and more time in New Zealand.” He said Mr Naidu took it upon himself to learn computers in the 1980’s from a single personal computer one of the most modern and up to date IT systems in the Pacific. “He shared a sense of true community spirit and with dad gave tireless and selfless effort given to TISI Sangam, Girmit and Lautoka Primary School.
“You showed me how to balance ambition, family and community service,” Mr Reddy said.
Tanoa Group of Hotels Area general manager Narendra Kumar said the impact Mr Naidu made on the lives of staff was beyond count and unforgettable.
“He was a man that respected his staff regardless of position, age and status. He was leader who made his mark through how he carried himself. A commendable figure that emphasised the company values and vision of Mr YP Reddy – where staff are valued and respected for who they are.”