Vijayawada, 24 September (IANS). Vice President CP Radhakrishnan took part in the Vijayawada festival held in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on his first official visit. His wife R Sumati was also present with him on the occasion.
At the beginning of his journey, the Vice President visited the Kanak Durga Devi temple located on the Indrakiladri hill and offered prayers. He then participated in the grand Vijayawada festival held at Punnami Ghat.
Addressing the program, the Vice President said, “This is my first visit outside Delhi after becoming Vice President and I am very happy that I started with Vijayawada. This journey will be unforgettable for me.”
He said that he considers Andhra Pradesh as the ‘Annapurna’ of the country and this state is moving fast in all regions. He expressed confidence that soon the dream of developed Andhra Pradesh would be realized.
CP Radhakrishnan said that Andhra Pradesh entrepreneurs have a major contribution in the US economy. He fiercely appreciated the Telugu culture and traditions and said that the Vijayawada festival connects people and increases the sense of unity and harmony in the society.
Speaking on Navratri, he said, “While other festivals end in 1 to 3 days, Navratri is celebrated for 9 days. This gives the message that women are more important than men.”
Over 250 programs related to cultural, literary and music are being organized under the Vijayawada festival, in which more than 3,000 artists are participating.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the festival as a library of live traditions of India and said that the event shows that culture and business can run together.
State Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Shivnath, Human Resource Minister Nara Lokesh and many MLAs, MPs and senior officials were present at the festival.
Andhra Pradesh Governor Abdul Nazir and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the Vice President at Gannavaram Airport. After joining the program, Vice President left Tirupati, where he will visit Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
-IANS
VKU/DSC