President offers prayers at Lord Buddha statue

Hyderabad, Dec 21: The President of India Ram Nath Kovind offered special prayers at Lord Buddha statue on Wednesday and later left for New Delhi ending his two- day visit to the city.

Kovind visited the imposing Lord Buddha statue located in the middle of the Hussain Sagar lake and paid tributes to the revered ancient sage and philosopher. Governor E S L Narasimhan and Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Ali accompanied the President in his visit.

Officials, including DGP M Mahendar Reddy, were present. The President arrived the city on Tuesday to attend the valedictory programme of the five-day World Telugu Conference.

Amid tight security, he reached the statue by a special boat. Kovind was accorded ceremonial welcome at the entrance of the statue.

Later, he was given an official send off by the Governor, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, GHMC Mayor B Rammohan Rao and others at the airport.