Latest news with #KandulaDurgesh
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Yogandhra brings rich cultural heritage closer to people: Minister
Vijayawada: Minister for Medical and Health and Family Welfare Y Satya Kumar Yadav said the State government was conducting Yogandhra Mahotsavam in an effort to bring India's rich cultural heritage closer to every citizen and to make yoga an integral part of their lifestyle. He said the spirit of the winners in Yoga competitions and the significance of yoga serve as a guiding light for future generations. He made this remarks on Wednesday while participating in the grand felicitation ceremony held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada to honour the winners of the 11th International Yoga Day State-Level Competitions. The competitions were held from June 16 to 18 at Don Bosco School, Guntupalli (Ibrahimpatnam mandal), where 526 participants competed in 15 categories across 42 events. A total of 193 participants emerged victorious and they were honoured and presented the prizes. Competitions were held in Asana demonstrations, Surya Namaskar challenges, Artistic Yoga, Yoga song, painting, skit, quiz, essay writing, short film, and Yoga Photography. Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh, AYUSH Director K Dinesh Kumar, Secondary Health Director A Siri, District Collector Dr G Lakshmisha and Joint Collector S Ilakkiya, among others were present in the felicitation event. Minister Satya Kumar Yadav congratulated all winners at village, mandal, district and State-level competitions. He praised the fair conduct of the events and remarked on the growing global influence of yoga, now practiced in 175 countries, thanks to the efforts made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Satya Kumar said Andhra Pradesh under the guidance of the Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has gone a step further by conducting Yogandhra Mahotsavams in an unprecedented manner and made it a grand success. He highlighted that events were held at 103 tourism destinations across the State, showcasing the cultural richness of AP to to the world. He further said plans were underway to extensively promote medical tourism. He said yoga plays a significant role in realising the visions of Viksit Bharat and Swarnandhra, paving the way for India to become the world's number one economy. He congratulated the NTR district administration for achieving a world record in Thematic Floating Yoga at Berm Park on Krishna river recently. Minister for Tourism, Culture & Cinematography, Kandula Durgesh said Yogandra Mahotsavams was a sacred mission and not just a one-day event. 'The State government is actively integrating yoga into the lives of all sections of society,' he said. Emphasising the role of mental peace, the Minister said yoga ensures both physical and mental health. AYUSH Director K Dinesh Kumar stated that despite challenges, yoga competitions were conducted with great enthusiasm as per the Chief Minister's directives. Competitions were held across junior, young and senior divisions, with over 400,000 participants at the village level, 526 qualifying for the State level, and 193 emerging as winners. Dinesh Kumar said the winners will perform yoga Asanas alongside the Prime Minister at the upcoming International Yoga Day celebration in Visakhapatnam on June 21. He described the winners as torchbearers of yoga's future journey. Health department Director A Siri elaborated on the yoga competition model used across the State. NTR District Collector Dr G Lakshmisha described Yogandra as a powerful movement inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. He noted that yoga has reached every corner of the State and left its mark on everyone's heart. Hosting the State-level competitions in the district was a proud moment, he said. Participants included Vijayawada RDO Kavuri Chaitanya, DMHO Dr M Suhasini, Additional Commissioner of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Dr D Chandrasekhar, AYUSH officials Dr V Rani, Dr Ramatlehi, Dr Ratna Priyadarshini, among others. Parents of the winners also attended the event.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
TOI photojournalist, 192 others shine at state-level Yoga competition
Vijayawada: As many as 193 individuals emerged as winners in the State Level Yoga Competitions, held across 42 themes in 15 categories over three days from June 16 to June 18 in Vijayawada. Health minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav, rourism minister Kandula Durgesh, Ayush director K Dinesh Kumar, secondary health director Dr A Siri, and NTR district collector presented the prizes to the winners at the awards ceremony organised at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on Wednesday. The three-day state level yoga competitions featured categories such as the Surya Namaskar Challenge, Yoga Skit, Yoga Quiz, Yoga Essay, Yoga Short Film, Yoga Photography, Yoga Painting, Yoga Song, and Yoga Display. Speaking on the occasion, minister Yadav said that yoga is a rich cultural heritage of India. The govt, aiming to make yoga an integral part of people's lives and raise awareness about its benefits, is organising a month-long Yogandhra awareness initiative in the state. He noted that the govt organised the state level yoga competitions in a fair and transparent manner, with 38 out of the 193 winners coming from Alluri Sitaramaraju and Parvathipuram Manyam districts in the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's A List Of Cheapest Steel Suppliers (See The List) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh described the 193 winners as torchbearers with the potential to promote yoga among the people. He said the winners of the State Level Yoga Competition will perform yoga asanas alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the International Yoga Day celebrations, which will be held at RK Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on June 21. Times of India senior photojournalist G Mahesh won the first prize in the senior category of the State Level Yoga Photography competition. Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, Kandula Durgesh, and Lakshmisha presented the award to Mahesh during the awards ceremony.
New Indian Express
14-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Proud moment for Andhra Pradesh as Belum Caves get GSI tag
VIJAYAWADA: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has granted Geo Heritage Site status to the historic Belum Caves. With this recognition, Belum Caves becomes the seventh site in the State to receive this prestigious status. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh hailed the recognition as a proud moment. 'Glad that the GSI has given special recognition to the world-famous Belum Caves in Kolimigundla of Nandyal district. These are not just natural wonders but ancient cultural sites that deserve national and global attention,' he said. Belum Caves is the country's second-longest publicly accessible limestone cave system. Formed by a tributary of the ancient Chitravathi River, the site also features archaeological remains, including pre-Buddhist pottery and relics linked to Buddhist and Jain monks. The caves were first documented in 1884 by British geologist Robert Bruce Foote. They were later explored in the 1980s and declared a protected site in 1988 before opening to the public in 2002. Durgesh said that the inclusion in the GSI list is expected to increase both domestic and international tourist footfall. 'With this announcement, Belum Caves will become even more popular as a tourist destination. The tag will also bring infrastructure improvements,' he added. He said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is committed to strengthening tourism in the State. 'We will ensure more publicity for Belum Caves to attract foreign visitors and highlight its geological and cultural significance,' Durgesh said. The tourism department plans to enhance connectivity, upgrade amenities, and promote the site to align with the international attention it is now poised to receive.
Hans India
14-06-2025
- Hans India
Tourism Min elated over GSI recognition to Belum Caves
Amaravati: Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh expressed delight over the inclusion of Belum Caves, a symbol of ancient culture and heritage, in the geological heritage list. With the announcement from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the Minister expects that the Belum Caves, located in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district, with a history dating back 450 years BCE and spread over approximately 23 acres, will gain further tourist prominence. The Minister said in a statement here on Friday that this recognition as a geological heritage site opens up opportunities for further development. The Minister stated that Belum Caves are internationally renowned as the second-longest and the longest underground caves in India. He added that the unimaginable natural beauty hidden underground within Belum Caves not only greatly attracts tourists but also provides a refreshing experience. The Minister explained that millions of tourists visit these caves. He assured that efforts would be made to further attract both domestic and international tourists. He further stated that Rayalaseema boasts numerous spiritual sites and beautiful tourist destinations, including Tirumala, Ahobilam, Mahanandi, Yaganti, Srisailam, Brahmamgari Matham, Gandikota, Siddavatam, Gandi, and Horsley Hills, and all of them will be developed. Minister Durgesh expressed confidence that the tourism sector will further flourish under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
The Hindu
13-06-2025
- The Hindu
A.P. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh expresses delight over GSI recognition for Belum Caves
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh on Friday expressed happiness over the inclusion of Belum Caves in the Geological Heritage list by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Located in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district, Belum Caves represent ancient culture and heritage, with a history dating back to around 450 BCE and spanning an area of approximately 23 acres. In a statement, the Minister said the GSI's declaration was expected to further enhance the tourism potential of the caves, and that the recognition would pave the way for development of the region. The Belum Caves were known to be the second largest underground cave system in the world and the longest in India, the Minister said, adding that they had gained international acclaim. He highlighted the mesmerising natural underground formations within the caves, which not only captivate visitors but also provide a unique and pleasant experience. He said lakhs of tourists visit the site annually, and added that efforts would be made to promote the site more extensively to attract both domestic and international tourists. Mr. Durgesh said the Rayalaseema region was rich with spiritual destinations such as Tirumala, Ahobilam, Mahanandi, Yaganti, Srisailam, Brahmamgari Matham, Gandikota, Siddavatam, Gandi and Horsley Hills, among many other places, and all these places would be developed further. 'A matter of pride' Meanwhile, addressing the media in Nandyal, Minister for Roads and Buildings B.C. Janardhan Reddy hailed the decision of the GSI. 'It is a very proud moment for the people of the Banaganapalle Assembly constituency,' Mr. Reddy said, adding that the rare recognition would place the famous caves on the national tourism map. He reiterated that the government would initiate all measures to develop the caves so that it could transform into a global tourist destination, which in turn would galvanise employment and economic opportunities in the region. 'The Department of Tourism will soon come up with a comprehensive action plan to attract both domestic and international visitors,' Mr. Reddy said.
