TS gets nod to display tableau at RD parade

Centre okays Bonalu theme with Hyderabad Rocks as background

Hyderabad: The TS government got a Christmas gift from the Centre. The Union government informed the State that it had been permitted to display the tableau during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26.

Normally the Defence ministry takes a decision on the tableau during October and once the file is closed it does not re-open the issue. But for the first time, the Centre took the initiative and succeeded in convincing the Defence ministry to give the new State a chance to display its cultural heritage during the Republic Day parade.

Following this, the Defence Ministry, in a statement, made it clear that they are allowing Telangana vehicle to portray itself in the Independence Day celebrations.

A team of Telangana information and public relations department officials, had unsuccessfully presented the theme before the defence ceremonial committee on September 29 and again on October 7. Following the rejection the TS Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had written a letter to the centre making a fervent appeal to reconsider the issue since TS is a new state and it should be given to show case its culture and heritage.

Later, TRS MP Jitender Reddy called on Defence Minister Manohar Parrikkar and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and requested them to include the 29th State in the fleet for Independence Day celebrations.

The first theme showcased Bonalu, Golconda fort, Charminar and Kakatiya arch, the major icons of the State cultural heritage. The Central panel wanted a single theme.

Then, the State government under the guidance of artist Ramana Reddy prepared another theme Bonalu with a Golconda backdrop. This was rejected and the committee had asked the government to remove the Golconda background.

Following this, the artist has now prepared Bonalu theme with Hyderabad Rocks as the background.