HYDERABAD: They came dressed in their Sunday best to listen to the first family of Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, his sonin- law Brother Anil Kumar `Benjamin’ Komanapally, daughter Sharmila Reddy and wife Vijaya Rajasekhara Reddy, all spoke at the `Grand Christmas Celebration’.
The day marked the culmination of the three-day festival. An estimated 1.5 lakh people turned up at the Parade Grounds, filled to capacity by the time Anil Kumar took the colourfully-decorated stage. Before he spoke, however, his wife Sharmila urged the audience to introspect on their lives and make time for God. She quoted her dad’s favourite verses from the Bible, `God gives us power, but we should rejoice in God’. In between the speeches, a 250-strong choir sang and danced to popular Christian numbers.
A row of lights supported by two huge cranes located behind the stage illuminated the stage.
A laser show on Christ’s life was a hit with the crowd.
Brother Anil Kumar spoke for an hour about the importance of accepting God into one’s life. He claimed that miracles had occured in his life since he accepted Christ.
He also claimed, ``No doctor has a solution for AIDS, but there is a supernatural doctor and all you have to do is believe in Him.’’ The Chief Minister drew the maximum applause when he stepped on to the stage. In his brief remarks, he wished everyone a merry Christmas and hoped for peace in the State and India. He said everyone should work to eradicate extremism and terrorism.
Three white doves were released and the programme ended with a bang, literally, a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the sky.