The year gone by was a special one. Our growing city achieved many successes and accolades and was thrust into the limelight. Many events, festivals and firsts marked the months on our calendar. So as we bid 2017 goodbye, it is with fond memories. As we welcome 2018 with the hope that it will bring us many more accomplishments, Team Yo! Vizag brings you the Part 2 of the seventeen things to celebrate about 2017.
9.Spiritual Gratification
The year was a spiritually gratifying one as well, when Shri Jaggi Vasudev, fondly referred to as “Sadhguru”, of Isha foundation came to the city. The Gramotsavam, which was organised in collaboration with Isha Foundation along with UNICEF and the State Government, had a distinct rural focus. With an event of such a scale being held for the first time in the city, many attended and benefited from Sadguru’s interaction on the topic of ‘Mission Life’. He spoke about past life, Karma and aspects necessary to attain fulfilment during the hour long interaction with cine actor Rakul Preet Singh.
10.Run For It
The city showed initiative in fitness as well. The annual Navy Marathon saw approximately 12,000 people across age groups participate in the full, half, 10km and 5km marathons. Then there was the Vizag Bay Marathon which introduced the first ever night marathon to the city and the country as well. It saw enthusiastic participation with over 5,000 runners registering. As they say, a marathon is an indicator of growth in the city, and yes, Vizag is upping its ante.
11.Albatross Is Here
The year also marked the landing of the Tu-142M, also referred to as the Albatross, owing to its huge wingspan. The aircraft is noted to be the heaviest, fastest and highest flying turbo prop in the world and was the strong-suit of the Naval air-arm. Known as the “Sentinel of the Ocean”, it was decommissioned and converted into a museum, in a short span of time. It now finds a place of pride right across the Submarine Museum, as it promises to give a glimpse of how life is in the skies.
12.Presidential Visit to the City
The year also marked the golden jubilee of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) and its submarine fleet. The milestone event was made even more special with the visit of Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. Being the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, he awarded the President’s Colour to the Submarine Arm, which is noted as the highest ever honour given to a military unit. The President on his first visit to the city, also inaugurated the Tu-142M aircraft museum.
13.Sights from the Skies
Recently inaugurated at the MGM grounds, heli-tourism became a much-awaited reality for city dwellers and tourists who come here. Featuring helicopters from Pawan Hans, the project which was the brainchild of the State Government, finally became a reality. Visitors can now take the spectacular rides in the single-engine five-seater helicopters that will give fascinating aerial views of our beloved city. The choppers would fly over Kailasagiri, Erra Matti Dibbalu, the fish yard and RK Beach. Once the crowd grows, plans are on to introduce double-engine twelve-seater helicopters.
14.City gets Festive
December proved to be a delight for foodies in the city with the Vizag Food Truck Festival. Organized at MGM grounds, approximately 15 food trucks came together with delicious offerings that ranged from crispy dosas to delicious pizzas and a variety of beverages. Live band performances added to the joie de vivre, making the event a memorable way to bid the year goodbye. The Visakha Fest brought together many book sellers, clothing merchants and a science fare too which showcased the knowledge of the city’s young minds. Another attraction here for the city was its lantern festival, also held in December. The event saw over 1,000 lanterns float up in the sky together, reminding you of a shot from the film ‘Tangled’.
15.TECH-2017
The Transforming Education Conference for Humanity-2017, or the TECH- 2017, marked the high point for December. International delegates, along with many national leaders, participated in the strategic event, which was organised by the AP State Government and UNESCO MGIEP. Being the first of its kind, TECH-2017 marked a starting point for series of events that would build peaceful and sustainable societies.
16.Visakha Utsav
The three day cultural extravaganza marked the end of 2017 for the city. A showcase of the city’s culture and local cuisine, it brought together its many aspects on a common platform. Held at the RK Beach Road, the Utsav ran packed on the three days. While an international flower show at the MGM grounds drew many visitors, attractive replicas of important temples were a crowd puller too. Treasure hunt on wheels, music, folk dances, fun rides, food and many attractive options, the Utsav saw everyone enjoying themselves. Performances by various artists and bumper prizes were other fascinating aspects here. Also, the Indian Navy presented many water sports along with demonstrations of search and rescue operations.
17.Micro-brewery Mega Fun
The city also raised a toast to the opening of the first-ever microbreweries here. Iron hill and Myz-uno opened shop in the month of December, marking a foray not just into the city, but the state as well. Iron Hill is a Prost enterprise that brings a brewing capacity of 600l per day with flavours imported from Germany. Myz-Uno on the other hand, has a Belgian theme and promises to bring local flavours to the city.
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