Andhra Pradesh - Ongole   

Formation day fete off to a colourful start

Special Correspondent

Leaders recall the rapid strides made by Prakasam district

CELEBRATION TIME: Balloons being released to mark the commencement of the Prakasam district formation day celebrations in Ongole on Thursday.

ONGOLE: The five-day Prakasam district formation day celebrations were off to a colourful start here on Thursday.

Two Ongole bulls stood majestically in front of the dais put up for the purpose at Prakasam Bhavan.

While women played `kolatam' and as enthusiastic youth waited to participate in the 3-K run district Collector B. Udaya Lakshmi hoisted the flag to start the celebrations.

Ongole MP Magunta Sreenivasa Reddy, MLAs - B. Sreenivasa Reddy (Ongole), M. Mahindhara Reddy (Kandukur), K.P. Konda Reddy (Markapur) and Addanki Balaramakrishna Murthi (Addanki) - released balloons and pigeons to mark the celebration.

Pat for Collector

They complimented the Collector for taking the initiative to celebrate the district formation day in a big way for the first time this year.

They said that Prakasam district was formed this day 36 years ago with backward regions of Guntur, Nellore and Kurnool districts. The district made rapid strides in developing irrigation potential under Nagarjunasagar and exploitation of mineral wealth like galaxy granite, which brought international fame to the district. Mr. Konda Reddy recalled the services of then Chief Minister Kasu Brahamananda Reddy in forming the new district and suggested that his statue be put up in Ongole and a park developed after his name.

Felicitated

He said Ronda Narapa Reddy, then Minister for Minor Irrigation, also played a crucial role in carving out the new district. Ravipati Mahananda, 93, who was a legislator at that time, was felicitated on the occasion.

Mr. Balaramakrishna Murthi paid tributes to Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu who played a crucial role in the freedom struggle. The district is named after first him. Tanguturi Annapurnamma, daughter-in-law of Prakasam Pantulu, graced the occasion.

On the first day, MLAs and officers played a cricket match at Police Parade ground, the venue of the celebrations.

Competitions were conducted for women and youth in various sporting events. Cultural programmes were organised in the evening.

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