Officials Urge Public to Skip Bouquets, Help Hostel Students
Prakasam, Nellore officials call for meaningful New Year gifts
Nellore: As part of New Year 2026 celebrations, senior officials in Prakasam and Nellore districts have appealed to the public to avoid bringing flower bouquets, garlands, sweets, shawls or cakes while meeting officials, and instead contribute items useful to students staying in government welfare hostels.
Prakasam district collector P. Rajababu extended New Year greetings to the people and expressed hope that 2026 would bring happiness, prosperity and the fulfilment of aspirations. He urged citizens to welcome the New Year with renewed enthusiasm and a positive outlook.
Issuing a clear advisory, the collector said visitors should refrain from bringing bouquets, dry fruits, shawls and cakes. Those wishing to make a contribution were encouraged to donate notebooks, pens, pencils, school bags, blankets, mosquito nets, bedsheets, fans and lights, which would directly benefit students in government welfare hostels.
Echoing the same message, Nellore Municipal Corporation commissioner Y.O. Nandan celebrated the New Year with officers and staff at the commissioner’s chamber on Thursday. Ahead of the celebrations, he had instructed officials not to present flower bouquets or garlands.
Following the directive, officials presented blankets and towels meant for hostel students instead of ceremonial gifts, a move that was widely appreciated as a meaningful and socially responsible gesture.
Later, the commissioner cut a cake in the presence of officers and staff as part of the New Year celebrations. The programme was attended by municipal corporation deputy director Madhuri and other officials.
Meanwhile, minister D.S. Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy extended New Year greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh, stating that 2025 witnessed several development and welfare initiatives along with major administrative reforms. He expressed confidence that Andhra Pradesh would achieve greater progress across all sectors in the coming year and urged youth to explore new opportunities with renewed energy.
