A.P.’s dynamism resonates with European Union, says Ambassador

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to India Herve Delphin on Thursday said that Andhra Pradesh with its significant economic growth has been positioning itself as a leader in terms of investments.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the three-day ‘Amaravati Avakaya Festival’, Mr. Delphin said, “this dynamism of A.P. resonates deeply with the European Union.” Referring to the festival of cinema, culture and tradition organised on a grand scale, he said it was heritage, art and community meeting together. “This festival testifies the vibrancy of Andhra Pradesh. Like avakaya, it is a wholesome experience,” he said.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasised the importance of conducting programmes that preserve and promote culture and traditions, reminding society of Telugu heritage and encouraging future generations to move forward with those values. “This event is being conducted so that we remember Telugu heritage and move forward with it,” he emphasised.

The Chief Minister said that whenever food is mentioned at a global level, India comes to mind, and within India, the delicious and diverse Andhra cuisine stands out. He added that wherever hotels and restaurants operate across the world, one can often find people from Andhra Pradesh working there, with many chefs also belonging to the State. Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh was reaching a stage where it could extend hospitality to the entire world.

Mr. Naidu said that the government was taking up these initiatives with a sense of responsibility to protect the pride of the Telugu people. He said animated discussions on culture, literature, and cinema would be part of the festival.

Recalling the grand celebrations during Krishna and Godavari Pushkarams in the past, the Chief Minister said he was fortunate to have presided over these auspicious events. “It was my fortune that during my tenure as Chief Minister, Krishna and Godavari Pushkarams occurred. As we worship nature and rivers, we began the Krishna Harathi 12 years ago,” he said, adding that abundant crops were grown in this region and development had taken place in many ways because of the Dowleswaram and Prakasam barrages.

Speaking of Telugu unity, hospitality, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, he showered praises on the creativity of Telugu cinema, from Bhakta Prahlada to Baahubali and said that culture, literature, and films remain the enduring strengths of the Telugu people.

Minister for Tourism and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath, senior officials of the Tourism Department and others were present.