President Murmu hopes AP, under Jagan, will play key role in nation's development

VIJAYAWADA: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday lavished praise on Telugu language when she said 'desa bashalandu Telugu lessa' (Telugu is the best among the country's languages). The President, who is on a two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh was accorded a civic reception by the YS Jaganmohan Reddy Government. Speaking at the event held at Murali Convention Centre in Vijayawada, the President said that Andhra Pradesh was a land of rich culture, history and heritage.

"Great leaders like Alluri Seetharama Raju, who had led the freedom struggle, were born on the land of Andhra Pradesh. I was elated to hear about the memorial being constructed on the occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the great freedom fighter," said the President. Pingali Venkayya, who designed the National Flag, also hailed from Andhra Pradesh, added Murmu.

The President said, "Today, Andhra Pradesh has enormously contributed to the development of modern technology and science. The state is rapidly growing in various sectors under the governance of Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy." In the same breath, Murmu hoped that Andhra Pradesh would play a key role in the development of the nation.

Speaking on the occasion, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy said, "The President's life is an example and an inspiration for many women across the nation. Belonging to a tribal community in Odisha, the President's journey through hardships and challenges will be an encouragement to women to chase their dreams."

Introducing the State of Andhra Pradesh to the President, Governor Vishwabhushan Harichandan said: "Andhra Pradesh is a diverse state that boasts of its rich culture and heritage. Telugu, the official language of the state is one of the six classical languages. It is a sacred land with divine and architecturally rich temples and bountiful natural resources. Andhra Pradesh is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing states in the country and home to notable industries across various sectors, with the second longest coastline." The Governor mentioned the presence of rocket launching centre of the ISRO, Srihari Kota, in his welcome address.

President Droupadi Murmu was accorded a warm welcome earlier in the day upon her arrival at the Gannavaram airport. She will fly over to Visakhapatnam in the afternoon where she will witness the Indian Navy's operational demonstration on the occasion of Navy Day in the evening. The President will also virtually inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects of ministries of Defence, Road Transport and Highways and Tribal Affairs. In the night, she will head to Tirupati where she is scheduled to take part in official engagements on Monday.