Telangana Governor hails Alai Balai as symbol of cultural unity

Hyderabad: Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday said festivals such as Bathukamma and Bonalu reflected Telangana's rich cultural heritage and community spirit, while Alai Balai provided a platform to celebrate these traditions and strengthen unity in diversity.

Speaking at the ‘Datthanna Alai Balai’ programme held at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad, the Governor said the Alai Balai programme was a symbol of social harmony and the Telangana’s rich cultural heritage, bringing people together beyond political differences. "The ideological differences should not undermine mutual respect, friendship and cooperation," he said.

Alai Balai refers to people embracing one another as a gesture of friendship and goodwill. It has been organised by former Haryana Governor and BJP leader Bandaru Dattatreya and his daughter Vijayalakshmi since 2005.

Referring to the growing menace of drugs, the Governor said synthetic drugs posed a particularly serious threat to young people and urged governments, educational institutions and citizens to work collectively towards achieving the goal of a drug-free India by 2029, emphasising the need to protect youth from substance abuse.

He also recalled an anti-drug awareness programme held at LB Stadium, where around 15,000 students participated alongside the Telangana Chief Minister and Cabinet ministers in taking a pledge against drug abuse.

The Governor announced that another anti-drug awareness programme would be organised at Osmania University on October 28, with thousands of students expected to participate. He also referred to plans for a similar campaign in Hyderabad on October 29 and stressed the need for sustained public participation.

Shukla urged youngsters to respect cultural traditions and contribute to nation-building. He said social harmony and national integration were essential for the country’s progress.

Meanwhile, former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu said at the programme that Alai Balai was not merely a festival but a warm platform that brought hearts together.

“This is a great tradition, which promotes love, friendship and brotherhood beyond caste, religion and politics, and reflects the Indian cultural philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World Is One Family),” he said.

Even as the world becomes more connected through technology, we should not become distant from the people around us, Naidu said, adding that while information is essential in life, emotional bonds and personal relationships are equally important.

He also emphasised that standing by one another during difficult times was the true essence of humanity.

“While embracing modernity, we must not forget our roots. Let us love our language, respect our culture, honour women, create opportunities for the youth, care for the elderly and support the weaker sections of society,” Naidu added.

He said that the Alai Balai programme conveys the message that India should be a role model for the world by upholding unity in diversity.

Union Minister Kishan Reddy, Telangana Minister Sridhar Babu, the Punjab Governor and other leaders from various parties also participated in the Alai Balai programme.