PM Modi receives handcrafted Bobbili Ekanda Veena during Bhogapuram airport inauguration; lauds Andhra Pradesh artisans
Vizianagaram, August 1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed heartfelt gratitude to the artisans of Andhra Pradesh after receiving an exquisitely handcrafted Bobbili Ekanda Veena.
The Prime Minister was presented with the traditional instrument during his visit to Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district to inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram.
In an X post, PM Modi lauded the Andhra Pradesh artisans for preserving Andhra Pradesh's musical legacy.
"Delighted to receive the exquisitely handcrafted Bobbili Ekanda Veena in Bhogapuram. The Veena has a special place in India's musical traditions. It embodies the skills of Andhra Pradesh's artisans. My compliments to them for preserving the culture of the state," he said.
In a separate post on X, PM Modi expressed deep appreciation for the grand welcome with over 13,000 students performing the vibrant tribal Dhimsa dance.
Emphasising how it reflects the warmth and cultural richness of the region's tribal communities, PM Modi said, "I am deeply touched by the special gesture of over 13,000 students performing the vibrant Dhimsa dance during the inauguration of the Bhogapuram Airport. This extraordinary gesture reflects the warmth of the people of Andhra Pradesh and the richness of the state's heritage, especially that of the tribal communities."
Earlier at the inauguration of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram today, the Prime Minister praised the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for modern infrastructural development, given the inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport as well as the setting of a world record for the Dhimsa dance by the tribal women.
"It is a hallmark of Chandrababu that he has embraced both aspects. On one hand, the construction of an airport, a facility that reaches for the skies, and on the other, the setting of a world record for the Dhimsa dance by our tribal sisters. I particularly appreciate this vision of Chandrababu," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Bobbili Veena is indeed a masterpiece of our artisans. It's heartening to see our PM acknowledging their skill. But I do wish more attention was given to the practical aspects like airline connectivity and job creation that the airport will bring to Vizianagaram district. Development should go hand in hand with cultural preservation.
What a proud moment for Andhra Pradesh! The Ekanda Veena is made from a single piece of wood - the skill required is unbelievable. And 13,000 students performing Dhimsa dance - that's not just a world record, that's a testament to our tribal culture's vibrancy. Kudos to all involved!
The way PM Modi seamlessly connects with our roots while inaugurating modern infrastructure is commendable. The Bobbili Veena represents centuries of tradition, and the new airport represents our future. It's a beautiful balance of our past and progress. Chandrababu Naidu ji deserves credit for this holistic vision.
The Bobbili Veena is one of the finest examples of our craftsmanship - it's said that the sound it produces is unmatched. As a classical musician myself, this recognition means a lot. But honestly, I hope the government also invests in teaching this art to the younger generation, not just celebrates it during inaugurations.
What a proud day for Andhra! The Veena gift was a wonderful touch - it shows our artisans are being recognized on a national level. And those 13,000 girls performing Dhimsa in their traditional attire... makes me emotional just thinking about it. Our tribal culture is truly special. 🙏
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