Renowned yoga and naturopathy expert Dr. Manthena Satyanarayana Raju has chosen to serve the Andhra Pradesh government as Advisor for Yoga and Naturopathy without accepting salary, allowances or official privileges, despite being appointed to a cabinet-rank advisory position. Dr. Manthena clarified that he would not draw any remuneration or avail himself of government facilities, including official vehicles. His decision has drawn widespread appreciation from various sections of society.Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu appointed Dr. Manthena to the advisory post in December last year, recognizing his decades-long contribution to natural healthcare and preventive medicine. 

The Chief Minister sought his guidance to strengthen public health initiatives such as the ‘Sanjeevani’ program, being implemented by the state government in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Initially reluctant to accept an official position, Dr. Manthena said he had offered to provide guidance informally. 

However, the Chief Minister explained that an official designation would lend authority to his recommendations and help ensure faster implementation of health programs.