Independence Day celebrations highlight progress, honour freedom fighters

The Independence Day celebrations were held with patriotic fervour by district administrations, State and Central government institutions and various organisations across Kurnool, Nandyal and Anantapur districts on Saturday.In Kurnool, Industries and Commerce Minister T.G. Bharath Gupta hoisted the national flag at the Police Parade Ground in the presence of District Collector A. Siri. Later, he honoured the family members of freedom fighters. “It is essential to honour the descendants of freedom fighters and remember the sacrifices they made. It is our responsibility to honour the families of the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the cause of independence,” he said. Children perform during the Independence Day celebrations at Police Parade Ground in Kurnool on Saturday. | Photo Credit: U. SUBRAMANYAM They were felicitated with shawls and flower garlands by the Minister, Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikrant Patil. Earlier, Mr. Bharath addressed the gathering, highlighting the achievements of the district in the past two years under the NDA government.In Nandyal, Minority Welfare Minister N. Md. Farooq hoisted the national flag and paid rich tributes to the leaders born in the district who ignited the spirit of the freedom movement among the local people, such as Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy, Gosayi Venkanna, Vadde Obanna, Nandyala Khadarabad Narasinga Rao, ‘Andhra Tilak’ Gadicherla Harisarvottama Rao, Yalluri Swami Reddy, Pendekanti Venkatasubbaiah, B.V. Subba Reddy, Gurram Venkata Reddy, and Gamago. He urged the public to embrace the ideals and goals of the great leaders.He appreciated the district administration, working under the leadership of District Collector Rajakumari Ganiya, for accelerating the implementation of State government initiatives and striving to achieve progress across various programmes. “I appeal to all public representatives and officials to work in coordination and dedicate ourselves to placing Nandyal district at the forefront of development,” he said.Meanwhile, Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav, after hoisting the national flag in Anantapur, said the government was trying to steer the district on the path of development across all sectors. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, Andhra Pradesh has been making rapid strides towards reconstruction,” he said, adding that the coalition government was implementing the Super Six welfare schemes and development programmes, treating both as equally vital priorities.“We intend to create thousands of jobs and employment opportunities by establishing industries in the district,” Mr. Keshav said, elaborating on the achievements of the district in various sectors over the past two years.‘Swarna Kadapa 2047’ goalsMinister for Roads and Buildings B.C. Janardhan Reddy made a specific reference to the ‘Swarna Kadapa 2047’ target, which aligns with the larger ‘Swarna Andhra 2047’ vision during his Independence Day address in Kadapa on Saturday. He urged the district officials to work with zeal and enthusiasm to achieve the goal. Minister for Roads and Buildings B.C. Janardhan Reddy receiving a guard of honour at the Independence Day celebrations in Kadapa on Saturday. Collector Sreedhar Cherukuri and Superintendent of Police (SP) Nachiket Vishwanath Shelke are also seen. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT The Minister also mentioned the substantial allocation of funds to the municipalities, Water Resources and the Tourism departments to ensure an improvement in living standards of the citizens as well as revenue generation to the district’s exchequer.“Kadapa district has to reach the economic target of ₹13.26 lakh crore by 2047 by ensuring an ambitious 15% growth rate in the industrial, agricultural and services sectors,” he said. He described the ‘Smart Kitchen’, considered to be the district’s pet project, as having the potential to become a role model to the entire nation.Along with the District Collector Sreedhar Cherukuri, Superintendent of Police (SP) Nachiket Vishwanath Shelke and Joint Collector Nidhi Meena, he inspected the stalls on display and also distributed cheques worth ₹945 crore to the beneficiaries. He later presented awards and merit certificates to officers, employees, and social organisations for excelling in their respective fields.The tableau on ‘Smart Kitchen’ presented by the Zilla Parishad bagged the first prize, followed by Medical and Health, DRDA and Kadapa Municipal Corporation, in the second, third and fourth positions respectively. Meanwhile in the police category, the NCC, scouts and guides, and the Armed Reserve bagged the top three prizes.The dogs belonging to the police department’s CLUES Team displayed their valour through breathtaking exercises.