Hyderabad: State government adviser Shabbir Ali attended Kamareddy Dussehra celebrations at Indira Gandhi Stadium on Tuesday. The Shabbir Ali Foundation organised the event, which featured a laser show, fireworks and Ravana Dahan.
Addressing the gathering, Ali expressed hope that farmers, traders and residents would overcome the effects of El Niño and enjoy prosperity. He also said he was happy to celebrate Dussehra with local families.
Ali recalled launching the annual festivities in 1990, when he served as a minister in the Marri Chenna Reddy government. P.T. Thagore led the initiative at the time. After Thagore’s death, his son P.T. Raj Kumar continued the tradition. However, the organisers could not hold the celebrations for five years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ali said the foundation had organised the event to bring happiness to Kamareddy residents, without political or electoral motives. Accordingly, the programme featured fireworks, a laser show, a DJ performance and Ravana Dahan.
Kamareddy Dussehra celebrations highlight water supply improvements
Ali said Kamareddy’s Godavari water supply had increased from 3 million litres per day (MLD) two years ago to 12 MLD. He said the improved supply would benefit residents ahead of next year’s Godavari Pushkaralu.
Meanwhile, Ali announced that day-and-night lighting facilities at Indira Gandhi Stadium would open next month. He said hundreds of students trained there for Army and police recruitment.
In addition, an indoor stadium costing Rs. 8 crore was under construction beside the existing facility. Ali urged parents to encourage children to take part in sports. He also advised them to keep children away from excessive mobile phone use and intoxicating substances.
Following the speeches, Ali watched the laser show, fireworks display and Ravana effigy burning. He thanked the officials who helped organise the event and the residents who attended.
The programme was attended by Municipal Chairperson Ippa Uma Rani Srinivas, Additional Collector Giri, DSP Madhusudhan Reddy, councillors and officials from various departments. A large number of residents also took part.