Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan recalls Vajpayee's role in infra development

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan paid glowing tributes to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of his 96th birth anniversary, which is also observed as 'Good Governance Day' all over the country. The Governor offered floral tributes to the portrait of Vajpayee at a programme at Raj Bhavan here on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said Vajpayee was a great leader who made immense contribution to the country's infrastructure development by implementing the 'Golden Quadrilateral' connecting all the four metropolitan cities in the country through the national highways development project.

Recalling the days when he was a minister in the Odisha government, the Governor said the national highway project was a dream project of the late Prime Minister and he had a set up a special cell in the PMO to personally monitor the progress of the project and clear issues arising out of land acquisition and others.

He said the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana to provide connectivity to remote villages, is another biggest contribution of Vajpayee to the nation.

He also said that Vajpayee elevated India's status to a nuclear super power in the world by conducting Pokhran II test and strengthened the country's security further. "Vajpayee was a great Statesman, orator, writer and poet who was respected by all irrespective of political affiliation."

Mukesh Kumar Meena, secretary to the Governor, officers and staff members of Raj Bhavan have also attended the programme.

'Christmas time to remember teachings of Jesus Christ'

Vijayawada: Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan participated in the Christmas celebrations held at Durbar Hall in Raj Bhavan here on Friday. In a message, he said Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated all over the world with joy and devotion.

He said the birth of Jesus is an event of utmost importance to the followers of Christianity as it is believed that God had sent his Son on earth as a sacrifice to redeem the people of the world from their sins and it is believed that through his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, God offered humans salvation and eternal life.

He said Christmas is a time of joyous remembrance of Jesus Christ to cherish His teachings of bonds of love, tolerance and compassion among all people and the life of Jesus Christ is a source of inspiration to all of us to lead a life of virtue and faith. Bishop George Cornelius of CSI All Saints Church and others recited prayers and offered blessings to the Governor, on the occasion.

Mukesh Kumar Meena, secretary to the Governor, officers and staff members of Raj Bhavan, have participated in the programme.