Hyderabad, Oct. 22 -- Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday said the Alai Balai programme symbolised social harmony and Telangana's rich cultural heritage, bringing people together beyond political and ideological differences.

Addressing the 'Datthanna Alai Balai' programme organised by former Governor Bandaru Dattatreya and his daughter Vijayalakshmi at Nampally Exhibition Grounds, the Governor appreciated their efforts in continuing the tradition initiated in 2005.

Calling for collective efforts to achieve a drug-free India by 2029, Shukla said drug abuse posed a serious threat to youth and could not be tackled by the police alone. Government agencies, educational institutions, social organisations and citizens must work tog...