A blend of patriotic fervour and a sense of re-dedication marked the 68 Independence Day celebrations in 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh on Friday.
The national tricolour was hoisted by Ministers who spoke about the challenges ahead and the determination of the fledgling government to overcome them.
In Ongole, Transport Minister Sidda Raghava Rao inspected the guard of honour at the sprawling police parade grounds. Addressing the gathering, he outlined the priorities of the new government which, he said, was eager to ensure that the fruit of development and welfare initiatives reached all sections of society.
He said over 4.5 lakh people were made literate in a short span of seven months under the ‘Akshara Vijayam’ project, a special educational drive that catapulted the district to the fourth position in literacy.
In Nellore, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana promised that Nellore district would witness all-round development in all sectors in the days to come. He said welfare of farmers and DWCRA group women were on top of the TDP agenda.
Prathipati Pulla Rao, Minister for Agriculture, called for greater public participation in implementation of welfare schemes launched by the government. Taking part in an I-Day function, he said 12.21 lakh farmers stood to benefit from the farm loan waiver scheme in Guntur district alone.
In Chittoor, Minister for Forests Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy spoke about the integrated development approach of the government. He said agriculture, industrial development, logistics and infrastructure building, service mission, urban development, skill development and social empowerment mission were the thrust areas.
Speaking in Eluru after hoisting the national flag, Endowments Minister P. Manikyala Rao spoke elaborately of the State plan to give a fillip to temple tourism. Referring to the Godavari Pushkarams next year, he said arrangements were in progress and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be invited to be part of the grand event.
Besides, schools, colleges, Government departments, NGOs and other ogranisations across the State celebrated the day with great enthusiasm.
