Archbishop Bala Honoured on Telangana Formation Day

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao presenting the gifts to Archbishop Thumma Bala on Telengana Formation Day.

Hyderabad: On the occasion of forming of State of Telangana, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao felicitated some 50 people, among them notably was Archbishop Thumma Bala of Hyderabad.

Rao presented the archbishop and three other religious leaders a shawl, a memento and a cash check for 1,00,116 (one lakh one hundreds and sixteen rupees) at a June 2 function.

The celebrations began with paying floral tributes to Martyrs Memorial at Gun Park, followed by unveiling of national flag and march past by security forces.

Archbishop Bala greeted the government and the people of Telangana on behalf of the Christians, assured the community's continued cooperation for the development of "Bangaru Telangana."

He also reiterated the Church's commitment to the educational, health and social services in Telangana.

As part of the celebrations of the formation day of Telangana, "Christian Dhoom Dhaam", a cultural festival was arranged for the Christian Community by Telangana State Christian Minority Finance Corporation (TSCMFC).

Sri Nayani Narasimha Reddy, State Home Minister and chief guest at the program assured Christians that he will work to ensure their security and progress.

He stated that Chief Minister Rao has extended all the state benefits to the Dalit Christians on par with other Dalits, and has initiated many other schemes and scholarships.

Funds have been released for the construction of Christian Bhavan at Mahendra Hills in Secunderabad.

Telangana was formed on June 2, 2014 and by area is the 12th largest state in India with a population of 35.19 million people.