The first Independence Day celebrations after bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and formation of Telangana State turned out to be a throwback to the good old days with both the Governments choosing historically significant places to host the ceremonies.
While more than 800 years old majestic Golkonda Fort, built by Kakatiya Dynasty and the seat of power of Qutub Shahi kings, was the venue of the impressive I-Day celebration of Telangana Government, the Andhra Pradesh Government hosted the same at Kurnool, which served as the capital of Andhra State till 1956.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, after unfurling the national flag near Daad Mahal, expressed immense happiness for doing so at the Golkonda Fort, the heart of Telangana culture.
After taking salute at the ceremonial and colorful parade of the State police and presenting medal to the police officials and honoring the sports persons, KCR said that it was a day of pride for every citizen of Telangana that the Independence Day was celebrated at the Golkonda Fort.
Explaining the reasons behind his Government's decision to chose the fort as the venue of celebrations, KCR reminded the huge contribution the 12th Century fort had made to the administration, culture, language and economy of Telangana.
Starting from the building of the Fort during the great dynasty of Kakatiyas, KCR recounted several chapters of history which stand as a testimony to its glorious past.
"It was in this fort the Sri Ram and lakshman had appeared in the vision of Tane Shah (last Qutub Shahi King) in dream, Bhakt Ramadas had written his Kirtans here. Gifts and contributions to the Ram Temple of Bhadrachalam were sent from here and Akanna and Madanna had shown their acumen in this fort.
Recalling the great and glorious traditions of communal harmony in Telangana, KCR recalled that the great Telugu poet of yore Addanki Gangadhar had dedicated compilation of his poetry to King Ibrahim Qutub Shah in this fort.
The world famous diamonds like Koh-e-Noor and Dariya-e-Noor were also found in the mines of Golkonda and the trade hub of this fort had attracted the traders from all over the world as far as Rome, England and Turkey, he said.
Urging the people of the State to continue to maintain such a heritage and invaluable traditions, KCR said that no city or State can develop with peace and harmony.
KCR, who had taken over as the first Chief Minister of Telangana in first week of June, listed out several measures initiated by his Government for the welfare of the people. They included waiving farm loans of Rs1 lakh per family benefiting 40 lakh farmers at the cost of Rs18000 crore to the exchequer, discontinuing the transport tax on the auto rickshaws (three wheelers) and agriculture tracrtors of farmer.
Schemes of allotting 3 acres of land to every Dalit family was also launched on Friday all over Telangana.
KCR announced that Kalyana lakshmi scheme of giving Rs50,000 for the marriage of Dalit and tribal girls would be launched from Dussehra. "It is first time that such a scheme was being implemented in any State in the country. It is a matter of pride for us", he said.
Chief Minister announced reopening of Toddy shops in and around Hyderabad from Dussehra to restore the livelihood of 60,000 toddy tappers.
He also reiterated the determination of his Government to give 12% reservations each to the tribal and the Muslim minority in the State. Commissions headed by the retired High Court judges were being set up for the purpose he said.
Defending the Integrated Household Survey in Telangana on a single day on August 19, KCR said that it was not against any particular group of people. "Some people were spreading rumors to create misgiving. Don't believe in them".
KCR said that such a survey had become necessary as the welfare schemes were being misused in the absence of correct data about the people. "Serious irregularities in ration cards, housing schemes and pensions have come to the light", he said. KCR urged the people to cooperate remain at home on the day of survey and provide correct information. The State Government has announced a general holiday on the day.
laying special emphasis on the development of Hyderabad city, KCR said that the six hubs — Pharma city, Cinema City, Sports City, Education, Manufacturing and Health cities— along with satellite townships will be developed around the city. He said that Government was working along with the private companies to make Hyderabad "wi fi city".
"Very soon Hyderabad will get 4G connectivity",he said. KCR also announced "Our Village Our Planning" to start a participatory planning system to make development plans relevant to the local need. For the industrial development, he said 5 lakh acres will be provided to set up Industrial Estates.
To make Telangana a truly green State, KCR announced the plans to plant 230 crore saplings.
On the occasion, KCR presented cheques of rewards to several sports persons. They include Malawat Poorna and Anand, a tribal and Dalit youth who scaled Mount Everest. They were given Rs25 lakh each as reward.