Andhra Pradesh: Republic Day celebrated with enthusiasm, gaiety

TIRUPATI: The prime focus of TTD is to introduce more and more transparent pilgrim initiatives, TTD EO Anil Kumar Singhal assertrd on Friday.

Mr Singhal, after hoisting the National Flag and offering salutations, in his Republic Day address at the Parade Grounds behind TTD administrative building in Tirupati, recalled the sacrifices and dedication of great leaders who managed to achieve freedom and Republican status to India with their tireless efforts.

"Following in their footsteps, we should be able to offer the best possible services to our pilgrims and make them feel comfortable which is our prime responsibility. The successful conduct of Brahmotsavams and Vaikuntha Ekadasi last year and the very recent Radhasapthami highlights the dedicated team work of the strong workforce. I anticipate the same spirit and enthusiasm in future too", he added.

A grand fiesta of cultural programmes were the special attractions after the hoisting of the flag on Republic Day celebrations in Parade Grounds of TTD. A march by the security sleuths of TTD provided a patriotic atmosphere followed by dance performances by students of various TTD-run schools for some famous patriotic songs.

Later the TTD EO Anil Kumar Singhal along with JEOs K.S. Sreenivasa Raju, P. Bhaskar and CVSO Ake Ravi Krishna offered medals to 15 officers and 121 employees of TTD for their best services. Certificate of appreciation were given away to another 74 staff concerned with e-Office.

Meanwhile in Tirymala, recalling the sacrifices and determination of great national leaders who strived to establish India as a republic, Tirumala JEO K.S. Sreenivasa Raju called upon employees in Tirumala to offer services to pilgrims taking them as inspiration.

In his Republic Day address after hoisting the National Flag on Friday in Gokulam Rest House premises, the JEO said, TTD has introduced many pilgrim initiatives including allotment of accommodation in a transparent manner by electronic way and also issuing 20,000 tickets including 14,000 in Alipiri and 6,000 in Srivarimettu footpath routes for pedestrian pilgrims. "Both these systems have been stabilised now. I wish all the employees will work with the same spirit in future too", he added. The JEO said, many more pilgrim initiatives will come up in future as the vision and mission of TTD is to serve pilgrims in best possible way.

DyEO of the temple Kodanda Rama Rao, SE 2 Ramachandra Reddy, Health Officer Dr Sermista, VGOs Sada Lakshmi, Ravindra Reddy and others were also present.

Assets distribution held in Chittoor
Republic Day was celebrated with fervour at the police training centre in Chittoor district on Friday where the district collector P.S. Pradyumna hoisted the national flag in the presence of MP D. Siva Prasad, SP S.V. Rajashekar Babu and others. 

The collector took up the assets distribution programme on the occasion under which more than ?118 crores of assets weredistributed to various groups. On behalf of the DRDA, the district collector gave away ?89 crores to 2,760 groups under Bank linkage. As part of Stand Up India, more than ?18 crores were distributed. Apart from this cars, autos and tailoring machines etc were also distributed. The collector also handed over cheques to owners of new shops like mobile points, DTP and xerox machines who were the beneficiaries. 

This was followed by a tableau show which has been a feast for the eyes for audience. Horticulture Department stood top followed by Endowments Department in the second place and Agriculture and Panchayat shared third position. 

The district collector distributed the prices to the winners. Celebrating the Republic Day, students in Palamaneru carried a flag 600ft long. The event was organised by Helping Hands, an NGO.