Chief Ministers K. Chandrasekhar Rao (Telangana) and N. Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh) participated in the ‘Manmadha Naama Ugadi’ celebrations that were kicked off by former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at Raj Bhavan, hosted by Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and his wife Vimala.
The two Chief Ministers did not meet face-to-face though, as they arrived separately.
The celebrations started with Mr. Kalam lighting the lamp and speaking about the importance of ‘Ugadi’, the Telugu New Year and how it was a special festival. He recalled his association with Hyderabad and with the Telugu-speaking people.
Mr. Narasimhan outlined the importance of Ugadi for Telugu-speaking population across the world and how being the first festival in the Telugu year, it was special.
“All good things start with Ugadi,” he said, pointing out that the ‘Ugadi Pachchadi’ served on the day tasted sweet, sour and salty, symbolising the message of life and how there were moments of joy and sorrow and ups and downs in everyone’s life. Mr. Rao and Mr. Naidu felt the Ugadi celebrations at the Raj Bhavan would augur well for both States. Mr. Rao said it was a blessing that justice (dharma) and tradition were followed at the Raj Bhavan, while Mr. Naidu expressed confidence about how Telugu-speaking population would prosper together despite being bifurcated.
The cultural programmes included a musical concert by Ramachari and troupe and ‘Perini Nruthya Thandavam’, a dance recital. Towards the end the performers were felicitated.
