People of AP, Odisha share common bond in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan said that he was very happy to come to Andhra Pradesh as Governor which is a neighbouring state of his native Odisha as there were many similarities between the two states and their culture.

He participated at the chief guest at the annual Viswakarma Puja celebrations organised by the Jai Jagannath Association here on Tuesday. The Governor said Lord Jagannath is the lord of the Universe and Puri Dham is one of the most revered Dhams of the country and added that similarly Lord Venkateswara is also worshipped by devotees all over the country.

He said a large number of people from Odisha were living in different cities of Andhra Pradesh and so also Telugu people in Odisha, which necessitates cultural exchange between the two states during different festivals. He said people of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh share a common bond of culture.

The Governor said the people of Odisha are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had given the call to observe the completion of 200 years of Paika rebellion at the national level.

The Governor said the Paika rebellion was another form of war of Independence and not only people of Odisha but the whole country feels proud of the war. Similarly, the people of Andhra, Madras, Bengal and other parts of the country had also waged similar agitations against the Britishers for many years.

Rajiv, a prominent personality from Odisha, Gokaraju Gangaraju, former MP, Mukesh Kumar Meena, secretary to Governor and P Arjuna Rao, joint secretary to Governor were also present.

The programme was organized by R Banmali, M Basanth Kumar, B Bhaikuntam and other members of the Jai Jagannath Association, Vijayawada, which saw huge gathering of people of Odisha living in the city.