Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan receives visitors on New Year

Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and his wife Vimala were at their exuberant best on Friday and ushered in the New Year by spending about two hours, receiving greetings and wishing people from different strata of society.

The majestic confines of the Raj Bhavan were thrown open for the public and it was as if anyone could walk in without being asked for an invitation. This itself made it a rare occasion and one that had the security personnel more alert and watchful than usual.

Prominent among those who called on the Governor between 11 a.m. and noon were Union Minister of Labour Bandaru Dattatreya, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Kadiyam Srihari and Tourism Minister Chandulal.

The administration was represented by Telangana Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma and Director-General of Police Anurag Sharma and a host of senior officers.

For the hordes of children of all ages from a half-a-dozen schools, it was an occasion when they soaked in the imposing confines of the Raj Bhavan and the sight of many police personnel - those in uniform and other plainclothesmen. There were also quite a few ‘selfie’ moments, including those with Mr. Dattatreya and Mr. Srihari.

What was most interesting for the children were the long tables on either side in the Durbar Hall that were loaded with sweets and savouries – ‘kaaju kathli’, pista cake, dry fruits mixture and samosas, apart from the usual selection of coffee and tea.

The little ones gleefully gorged on them and when their school teachers said it was time for them to leave, they did so, with a tinge of regret.