Rajamahendravaram: Rajahmundry got back its original name, Rajamahendravaram, on Saturday. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made the announcement during the valedictory function of 12-day Godavari Pushkaralu at the Arts College Grounds here.
Mr Naidu noted that Rajahmundry used to be called Rajamahendravaram during the regime of Raja Raja Narendra 980 years ago. During British rule, the name was shortened to Rajahmundry. He said that TD government would restore the city to its past glory after renaming it as Rajamahendravaram. He said Rajamahendravaram would be developed as the cultural capital and tourist hub of Andhra Pradesh under the Akhanda Godavari Project with Rs 100 crore.
The project envisages improvement of temple towns like Palkollu, Narasapuram, Antarvedi and the Konaseema area apart from Rajamahendravaram. He said 51 acres of land belonging to the Central Jail would be developed as an infrastructure hub by constructing a convention centre, exhibition, multi-theatre complexes and others. He said that Telugu University, Kandukuri Veeresalingam Theistic education institutions, Damerla Art Gallery, Gowthami Library and others would be developed.
Baba Ramdev Baba, who participated in the meeting, said he would set up the Pathanjali Yoga Guru Peetham in Tirupati where all Ayurvedic medicines would be made available. He said that Mr Naidu gives equal importance to science and technology and matters of religion.
He said the Godavari Harathi was conducted in an excellent manner. Karnataka-based seer Nirmalananda Swamy praised the government’s religious activities. Earlier veteran Carnatic musician Balamuralikrishna rendered a classical vocal recital. About 1,000 dancers performed Kuchipudi dance as part of the celebrations.
