Hyderabad: Governor of Telangana Tamilsai Soundarajan today called upon the Mother’s in the State to ensure a child carries healthy nutritional and traditional foods in their Tiffin boxes as the children in the State are suffering from Obesity and malnutrition.
Speaking as a Chief Guest at the Alai Balai program organized by the daughter of Bandaru Dattatreya Governor of Haryana at Jal Vihar today , a traditional ritual held annually to celebrate Dussera Milan, the Governor TamilSai Soundarajan said that according to reports 25 percent of children suffer from obesity in Telangana and 33 percent children suffer from malnutrition . Since apart from being Governor of the State she is also a Doctor, therefore, she was concerned at high rates of obesity and malnutrition in the State. She said that she wanted the state to be healthy and wealthy and therefore wanted the mothers to ensure the tiffin boxes do not contain unhealthy foods like burgers and pizzas.
She lauded the Bandaru Dattatreya for initiating this cultural initiative 15 years back and said that such traditions that bring all political parties and people on a single platform is laudable as it improves the closeness among all human beings especially since it is interlinked with tradition and culture.
Recalling similar cultures in Tamil Nadu she said that a few days back Raj Bhavan was witness to Bathukamma which was celebrated for five days with different themes. The different themes were linked to the tradition and nutritional habits of the people which she got to learn.
She congratulated Vijaylaxmi Bandru daughter of Bandaru Dattatreya for hosting this cultural event where people from all political parties irrespective of affiliations celebrate the Dussera festival with oneness and spreading happiness.
Mr. Ch. Vidyasagar Rao former Governor of Maharashtra and leader of the BJP lauded the efforts of Bandaru Dattatreya for initiating the festival showcasing the culture and traditions of Telangana. He also stressed on the need to take the Telugu language forward to other parts of the country. Stating that there was a need to bring in the cultural revolution in the State he urged the folk artist to come forward and showcase their talent. He said that folk artists have played a vital role in Telangana agitation.
Mr. Bandaru Dattatreya Governor of Haryana on the occasion said that Alai Balai unites the people culturally. The aim of organizing the Alai Balai annually Dassera festival was to unite people as it spreads love and unity He further said that there was a need to spread awareness towards the nation among youth. He said that there was a strong need to work towards the removal of corruption in the country.
Mr. G. Kishen Reddy Union Minister for Home in his address said that Dassera is a festival that is celebrated with pomp and gaiety just like the Navaratri .In Telangana and erstwhile Andhra Pradesh r Bandaru Dattatreya had been instrumental in initiating several festivals like ten-day-long Ganesh Festival Alai Balai. Alai Balai is a platform where all political parties irrespective of any animosity meet and exchange pleasantries. He was of the view that the festival should be taken up across different regions and states. He said that such togetherness was imperative for the development of the State and the Nation. He recalled how during their childhood in the youngsters of the rural area sought blessings from every home irrespective of any differences. Likewise, people and political parties should come together for the cause of the State and the Nation and cited an example of Article 370 wherein the Nation should come together for the sake of nationalism and support the abrogation in one voice.
V Hanumanth Rao Congress leader expressed displeasure at not finding his Photographs on the various Billboards put up en route the venue. He said that Congress had given Telangana and worked for the cause of Telangana but his photo was not found anywhere which he regretted. He said that since inception he has been participating in the Alai Balai being hosted by Bandaru Dattatreya since 2005 and now even after his daughter hosted the same. He asked her not to make an event only for this year but for every year to come.
He also appealed to the Governor to give the appointment to Congress leaders who want to take up public issues with her. He said that the previous Governor was indifferent to several public issues including the Intermediate exams in which 26 students committed suicides. Despite Congress making representation they did not get the appointment with the Governor and hoped that Governor Tamilsai Soundarajan will definitely give appointment to solve the issues of people.
On the occasion Mr. Keshav Rao TRS leader, Mr. Murlidhar Rao BJP National General Secretary, Mr. Ramana TDP leader and former MPs Mla’S leaders from the BJP including Chinthala Ramchander Reddy, Chayya Devi, and others were present
Ratna Chotrani