Andhra Pradesh Leaders Celebrate State Tableau's Third Place Achievement

Synopsis
The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, celebrated the state's tableau themed on Etikoppaka toys winning third place at the Republic Day Parade, emphasizing pride in the state's artistic heritage.
Key Takeaways
- Andhra Pradesh tableau won third prize at Republic Day Parade.
- Theme centered around Etikoppaka toys.
- Recognition for the state's rich artistic and cultural heritage.
- Chief Minister and Deputy CM express pride and gratitude.
- Efforts to promote traditional crafts and toys.
Amaravati, Jan 29 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, along with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, expressed their joy over the state's tableau themed on Etikoppaka toys, which secured the third prize at the Republic Day Parade.
Chief Minister Naidu noted that it brings immense pleasure to see the Andhra Pradesh tableau achieve third place.
He shared on X that this recognition is a source of pride for the state's residents.
According to the Ministry of Defence's announcement, the Uttar Pradesh tableau ranked first, followed by Tripura in second, with Andhra Pradesh claiming the third position.
Naidu extended congratulations to the designers, state officials, and particularly the artisans involved in creating Etikoppaka toys.
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan called it a proud milestone for Andhra Pradesh.
He remarked, "Our Etikoppaka Bommalu - Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys tableau has gained national acclaim by achieving third place in the 76th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, Delhi. This accolade showcases our state's rich artistic and cultural legacy, along with its craftsmanship."
On behalf of the state government, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed sincere thanks to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Kalyan pointed out that since the NDA government assumed office, various initiatives have been launched to uplift Etikoppaka toys. These initiatives include cultivating Ankudu trees, essential for toy production, and promoting these handcrafted toys as official souvenirs, thereby increasing their visibility and demand.
He also expressed his appreciation to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for selecting and presenting the Etikoppaka tableau on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh government this year.
Previously, both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister voiced their happiness regarding the response to the state's tableau.
CM Naidu mentioned that the song 'Bommalamma... Bommalu' made the Etikoppaka toys tableau a standout feature on Kartavya Path.
This tableau highlighted the 400-year-old craft tradition recognized for its eco-friendly, smooth, vibrant, and non-toxic toys.
The toys originated from Etikoppaka in Anakapalli, close to Visakhapatnam.
Crafted from soft Anduku wood, they are adorned with natural dyes sourced from seeds, lacquer, bark roots, and leaves.
Artisans utilize a colorless resinous secretion from various insects for decorating the toys.
Etikoppala Toys has received its GI tag under the handicrafts category.