Vijay’s Presence Adds Fresh Buzz To Utsav: Naidu

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said his Tamil Nadu counterpart, C. Joseph Vijay, had added fresh enthusiasm to Vijayawada Utsav 2.0 with his participation in the celebrations at Punnami Ghat on Tuesday.

The two Chief Ministers joined the festivities, with Vijay’s opening address in Telugu, greeting people on the occasion of Navaratri and thanking them for their affection, drawing an enthusiastic response from the gathering.

Welcoming Vijay on his maiden visit to Vijayawada after assuming office as Chief Minister, Naidu praised his political journey, noting that he had formed a party and come to power within two years. He said Vijay was committed to the development of Tamil Nadu and described his visit to Andhra Pradesh as a special occasion for the two states.

“Though our States are different, our aspirations are the same. India should prosper, and Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka should develop,” Naidu said. Congratulating the organisers and artists for making the second edition of Vijayawada Utsav a vibrant celebration, Naidu said the large turnout reflected public enthusiasm. The energy of the youth and their growing technological capabilities inspired confidence that India could achieve anything, he added.

Naidu expressed confidence that river-linking projects would become a reality under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He said the Godavari and Krishna rivers would be linked through the Vijayawada region and expressed hope that the Godavari, Krishna, Penna, Tungabhadra and Cauvery rivers would eventually be interconnected, benefiting four southern States through improved water availability.

He also expressed confidence that India would emerge as the world’s leading nation by 2047. Technology and knowledge should go hand in hand with spirituality, which cultural and religious festivals could help promote, he said. Naidu invoked the blessings of Goddess Kanaka Durga for the success of the proposed river-linking initiatives.

Vijay began his address with “Andariki namaskaram” (Greetings to everyone), drawing applause from the audience. He described his participation in the Navaratri celebrations as a privilege and extended festive greetings to the Telugu people.

“I am very happy to be here in Vijayawada and to meet all of you. I consider it my good fortune to participate in these Navaratri celebrations. My greetings to everyone on this occasion. I am happy to have come to Vijayawada to discuss river interlinking with the honourable Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu,” Vijay said.

Thanking the people for their affection and hospitality, he concluded, “Thank you, Vijayawada, for your hospitality, and thank you, sir, for inviting me.” Naidu and Telugu Desam leaders felicitated Vijay at the event.