Naidu urges conservation of distinctive Ongole cattle breed

Former Indian Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu has urged residents to preserve the distinctive qualities of the Ongole cattle breed. Naidu made the appeal while serving as chief guest at Ongole Utsavam, held at a mini stadium to mark the 150th anniversary of Ongole Municipality.

The celebrations included a procession featuring Ongole cattle along Trunk Road. He said the public had a responsibility to conserve the breed’s unique qualities and spirited nature. Naidu also said foreign countries were taking indigenous cattle to develop new breeds, according to the supplied material.

The event brought together ministers, elected representatives, officials and residents of the district. Odisha Governor Kambhampati Haribabu attended in his official capacity and was among those associated with the celebrations. Naidu recalled his connection with Ongole and his political beginnings in the constituency in 1977.

He said people had supported him as a young politician from an ordinary farming family who had opposed the Emergency. He also referred to his time as Union Minister for Rural and Urban Development, saying he had pressed for paved roads in every village and played a key role in the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Naidu urged residents to make cleanliness and hygiene part of daily life and avoid encroaching on tanks, canals and roads.

He said national progress depended on villages thriving. Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Veeranjaneya Swamy described the anniversary as a significant milestone. He praised the presentation of Ongole’s identity and highlighted an initiative involving 150 medical camps held in one day.

He described the Ongole bull as a symbol of strength and vitality.