Minister for HRD Ganta Srinivasa Rao has expressed the view that Ugadi will usher in growth and prosperity for Visakhapatnam through Information Technology (IT) and Tourism. He was participating as chief guest in Sri Vilambi Ugadi celebrations, organised by the district administration and the Department of Language and Culture, at VUDA Children Arena here on Sunday.
Naidu coming
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the celebrations, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would be coming to the city on March 29 and lay the foundation stone for IT companies. He said that the recently commissioned TU 142 Aircraft Museum, along with the Submarine Museum, has become a landmark on Beach Road. Soon yachting competitions would be held in the city.
Anakapalle MP Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Lalam Bhavani, Joint Collector G. Srijana, VUDA Vice-Chairman Basant Kumar, GVMC Commissioner M. Harinarayanan, JC-2 A. Siri, and others were present. The programme commenced with ‘panchanga sravanam’ (reading of the almanac) by chief priest of Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple Brundavanam Desikacharyulu.
Felicitated
Later, the Minister felicitated Mr. Desikacharyulu, Classical vocalist K. Saraswathi Vidyarthi, Kuchipudi dancer K.V. Lakshmi and the Head of the Department of Telugu, Andhra University, M. Jayadev. Earlier, folk artistes performed Tappetagullu, Kolatam, Teenmar, Puliveshalu and Dappu Nrutyam.
It was a treat to watch many of the officials and some of the guests attend the festival in traditional attire.
