The Vice President of India, Shri CP Radhakrishnan today graced the Vijayawada Utsav 2025 at Punnamy Ghat in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, as the Chief Guest. The event marked a vibrant celebration of culture, spirituality, and development, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Navratri. Earlier today, on his maiden state visit to Andhra Pradesh, Vice-President, Shri CP Radhakrishnan was accorded a warm welcome at Vijayawada airport by Governor, Shri S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu. He also received Guard of Honour during his arrival.

The Vice-President witnessed a series of cultural performances that showcased the rich artistic traditions of Andhra Pradesh, followed by an audio-visual presentation on the significance of the Vijayawada Utsav. The festival, celebrated across five locations in the city, is a vibrant showcase of Andhra Pradesh’s cultural richness, spiritual heritage, and developmental achievements.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President began by bowing to Bharat Mata and quoted one poem of Saint Bharathiyar in Tamil which means that we may be speaking 18 different languages but our thinking and dharma is always one. He described the Vijayawada Utsav as the one of the largest cultural festival in the world and expressed his wish for it to continue for another hundred years, linking people across generations and regions.

Speaking on the significance of Navratri, Shri Radhakrishnan said, “Navratri is the only festival celebrated continuously for nine days, and it is dedicated solely to goddesses-not gods. This reflects the importance our society and culture place on women.” The Vice President shared his spiritual experience at the Kanak Durga Temple and Goddess Annapurni, who represents nourishment and compassion. “There can be no act more sacred than feeding the poor. That is the true worship of the goddess,” he said.

The Vice President praised the people of Vijayawada for their warmth and affection, noting that while the city is known for its heat and spicy food, its people are the coolest in the country. He expressed confidence that Vijayawada is among the fastest-growing cities in India and will soon become one of Bharat’s most marvelous urban cities.

The Vice President commended Andhra Pradesh’s farmers for their tireless efforts in feeding the nation and acknowledged the state’s fertile land and hardworking spirit. Andhra Pradesh is not only producing rice for itself but for the entire country, he noted. Shri Radhakrishnan highlighted the state’s rapid strides in education, healthcare, infrastructure, public welfare, and urban planning. He remarked that Andhra Pradesh’s economic growth is among the highest in the country and that the state is emerging as a hub for technology and innovation, particularly in IT and biotechnology.

Expressing deep gratitude for the love and affection shown by the people during his first official visit outside Delhi, the Vice President said, this is my very first yatra as Vice President, and it is an honour to begin it in Vijayawada. He described the Vijayawada Utsav as a source of pride for the entire Telugu community and a showcase of Telugu culture to the world.

Concluding his address, he offered prayers to Goddess Kanak Durga for the health and happiness of all citizens and the continued progress of Andhra Pradesh.

The event was attended by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Sri Satya Kumar Yadav, Hon'ble Minister of Health, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Kandula Durgesh, Tourism Minister, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Kesineni Sivanath, Member of Parliament.

 

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