Vice President of India CP Radhakrishnan commenced his maiden state visit to Andhra Pradesh with prayers at the Kanak Durga Temple and participation in the vibrant Vijayawada Utsav 2025 at Punnamy Ghat. He was welcomed at Vijayawada airport with a guard of honour by Governor S Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu before attending the citywide Navratri celebrations.
The Vice President lauded the festival as one of the largest cultural gatherings in the world and praised Andhra Pradesh’s rich artistic heritage showcased through traditional performances and an audio-visual presentation. Describing Navratri as a festival dedicated solely to goddesses, he highlighted its message of women’s empowerment and the importance of compassion, citing his spiritual experience at the Kanak Durga Temple and the goddess Annapurni.
Addressing the audience, he applauded the warmth of Vijayawada’s people and the city’s rapid growth, calling it one of the fastest-growing urban centres in India. He commended the state’s farmers for their role in ensuring national food security and recognised Andhra Pradesh’s achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, public welfare, and urban planning. He emphasised the state’s emergence as a hub for technology and innovation, particularly in IT and biotechnology, noting its strong economic growth.
Expressing gratitude for the affection shown during his first official visit outside Delhi, the Vice President said it was an honour to begin his journey in Vijayawada, a city that proudly represents Telugu culture and heritage. Concluding his address, he offered prayers for the prosperity and well-being of all citizens and the continued progress of Andhra Pradesh.
