On Independence Day, Lokesh calls for joint effort towards 'Swarnandhra'

IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Saturday urged citizens to join hands in realising the vision of a ‘Swarnandhra’ (Golden Andhra Pradesh), while assuring steps to enhance facilities in government educational institutions. He was speaking after hoisting the Tricolour at the 80th Independence Day celebrations held at the Makineni Basava Punnaiah Stadium in Vijayawada.

Mr. Lokesh received the guard of honour and distributed meritorious certificates to about 275 officers from the Revenue, Municipal, Medical and Health, Police, AP-Transco and other departments during the event.

Describing Independence Day as a festival for all, irrespective of caste, creed or age, the Minister recalled his school days and paid tribute to freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence.

Highlighting the reforms in the education sector, Mr. Lokesh said, “We have changed the curriculum and appointed an adviser. We are distributing kits in the name of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishna and serving mid-day meals in the name of Dokka Seethamma. Due to the reforms brought in government schools, 1.10 lakh students have shifted from private institutions.”

In Machilipatnam, Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra participated in the celebrations at the Police Parade Grounds. After hoisting the flag, he said priority was being given to the development of women, farmers and weaker sections. He elaborated on welfare schemes such as financial aid for women through self-help groups and measures for women's security.

Tableaux displayed by various departments attracted visitors, while students from schools and colleges presented cultural performances depicting tradition and patriotism.

NTR district Collector G. Lakshmisha, Krishna district in-charge Collector M. Naveen, Police Commissioner S.V. Rajashekar Babu, and Superintendent of Police V. Vidyasagar Naidu hoisted the flag at their respective offices and distributed sweets to students.

At the NDRF 10th Battalion headquarters in Kondapavuluru village of Gannavaram mandal, Krishna district, Commandant V.V.N. Prasanna Kumar hoisted the National Flag and took the guard of honour. He read out the names of personnel who received the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police Medal for Meritorious Service and Gallantry Medals. Second-in-commandants, deputy commandants, assistant commandants, officers, jawans and their families attended the event.

Students of Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), Nuzvid IIIT, celebrated the occasion on a grand scale on the university campus in Eluru district. Vice-Chancellor M.L.N. Rao, faculty and students participated in the celebrations.