HYDERABAD: The annual Alai Balai celebrations at Exhibition Grounds, Nampally, brought together Governors, former constitutional functionaries and political leaders under the theme ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat, Vikasit Bharat’ (Drug-free India, Developed India). Speakers called for social harmony, unity in diversity and greater awareness among youth against drug abuse.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, his Punjab counterpart Gulab Chand Kataria, former vice-president M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union coal minister G. Kishan Reddy, former governors Bandaru Dattatreya and Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, and leaders of various parties attended.
Addressing the gathering, Kishan Reddy said Alai Balai respected all communities and promoted equality. He stressed the need for unity and said a drug-free society was essential to building a developed India. He also underscored the importance of Hindu unity and majority status for the country to remain secular and united.
Venkaiah Naidu said the event promoted human values and affection among different sections of society, urging people to remain united.
Dattatreya said Alai Balai brought people together beyond caste, religion, politics and regional differences. He described Vijayadashami as the victory of good over evil and expressed hope that Telangana and Andhra Pradesh would progress through mutual cooperation.
Folk performances, including Bathukamma, Bonalu, Dappu, Gussadi and Kolatam, and traditional Telangana cuisine were the major attractions. Eminent persons and achievers were felicitated by Dattatreya and Alai Balai Foundation chairperson Bandaru Vijayalakshmi.
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