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Andhra Pradesh News Updated Jun 30, 2026

Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Nara Lokesh to Visit PM Shri Model School in Vizianagaram

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh are scheduled to visit the PM SHRI AP Model School in Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district on Tuesday. The visit is planned between 9:30 am and 11:00 am. On Monday, Pradhan offered prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri and witnessed the Snana Yatra ceremony. Thousands of devotees gathered for the sacred bathing ritual of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Nara Lokesh to visit PM Shri AP Model School in Vizianagaram today

Visakhapatnam, June 30

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh are scheduled to visit the PM SHRI AP Model School in Bhogapuram of Vizianagaram district on Tuesday.

According to the official schedule, the two ministers will visit the school between 9:30 am and 11:00 am. They are expected to arrive at the institution shortly.

Earlier on Monday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan offered prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri and witnessed the sacred 'Snana Yatra' of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on the occasion of Deva Snana Purnima, one of the major rituals preceding the annual Rath Yatra.

Speaking after offering prayers, Pradhan expressed gratitude for getting an opportunity to have darshan of Lord Jagannath and seek his blessings.

"I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to get a darshan of Mahaprabhu on the auspicious occasion of Snana Purnima. I am deeply grateful. In these times of global crisis, may the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath remain upon human civilisation, upon our India, and upon our state of Odisha; only then can prosperity and happiness come into all our lives. The Lord's blessings should serve as the guiding light for our lives," Pradhan told ANI.

Deva Snana Purnima marks the ceremonial bathing of the sibling deities with 108 pots of sanctified water. Following the ritual, the deities are believed to fall ill and remain out of public view during the 'Anasara' period before reappearing for the annual Rath Yatra.

Thousands of worshippers gathered to witness the sacred bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, marking a centuries-old tradition. The festival marks the ceremonial bathing of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra in 108 pots of water in a sacred ritual.

Devotees from across the country travelled to be part of the event.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

Education ministers visiting a school is always positive news. But we also need consistent policy implementation, not just photo ops. Bihar's model schools have shown mixed results - hope AP learns from that and focuses on teacher quality and student outcomes. 🤔

Vikram M

The article also mentions Pradhan Ji's visit to Jagannath Temple. While culture is important, I hope equal attention is given to developing modern curriculum and digital infrastructure in these model schools. Our children need both roots and wings. 🇮🇳📚

Sneha F

PM SHRI schools are a good initiative but why only selective schools? Every government school in Vizianagaram district needs similar attention. The real test will be when these ministers visit ordinary government schools and not just showcase ones.

Ravi K

As someone working in education sector in AP, I'm cautiously optimistic. PM SHRI model schools can set new benchmarks if proper follow-through happens. The focus on inclusive education and skill development mentioned in NEP aligns well with our state's needs. Let's wait and watch. 🧐

Naveen S

The cultural touch of the Jagannath temple visit alongside education tour shows our holistic approach - spirituality and learning go together. But the real blessing will be when every child in AP has access to quality education. That's the true 'Rath Yatra' progress! 😊

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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