Grand Celebrations Underway as Telangana Marks its Second Foundation Day

Hyderabad: Grand celebrations are underway in Telangana to mark the states's second foundation day. The K Chandrasekhar Rao government has sanctioned Rs 15 crore for the Grand Foundation Day celebrations which falls on June 2

Starting the celebratiobns, Chief Minister Rao and Telangana Rashtra Samiti leaders paid tribute to the martyrs of the Telangana movement. The Chief Minister also unfurled the largest national flag at Sanjeeviah Park on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad, followed by a march past of security forces and cultural programmes at the parade ground.

The state government has also allocated Rs 30 lakh to each district to mark the second foundation day.

The celebrations come at a time when the state is witnessing one of the toughest summers with soaring temperatures and a drought that has seen around 100 deaths.

Telangana came into existence on June 2, 2014 following the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Many government buildings, including Legislature and Secretariat, and public spaces have been illuminated on the occasion. A number of cultural programmes have also been lined up by different government agencies.

The state government announced awards for a number of persons from different fields in recognition of their meritorious service.

The state government is also set to announce the creation of around 13 new districts as well as 40 new mandals.

The state government has also lined up a series of events in New Delhi to mark two years of the state's formation.

Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali will grace the cultural programmes organised in New Delhi, state government representatives said. There will be folk, kathak and kuchipudi dance events, yoga pyramids and quiz and essay competitions, they informed.

"On this occasion, we want to celebrate with few cultural activities and (also exhibit) Telangana food culture," S Venugopalachary, special representative of the state government, said.

Meanwhile, Telugu Desam Party leaders in Andhra Pradesh will protest against the celebrations, to oppose the bifurcation of the state. TDP will observe the day as Reconstruction Day. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will also address a rally in Vijayawada.

(With additional information from PTI)