Vizianagaram, August 1:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his appreciation to the artisans of Andhra Pradesh after being presented with a beautifully handcrafted Bobbili Ekanda Veena during the inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district.

Sharing his gratitude in a post on X, the Prime Minister described the traditional musical instrument as a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and commended the craftsmen for preserving the state's artistic legacy.

"Delighted to receive the exquisitely handcrafted Bobbili Ekanda Veena in Bhogapuram. The Veena has a special place in India's musical traditions. It embodies the skills of Andhra Pradesh's artisans. My compliments to them for preserving the culture of the state,"PM Modi wrote.

The Prime Minister also expressed admiration for the grand cultural welcome he received, where more than13,000 studentsperformed the traditional Dhimsa dance, a vibrant tribal folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.

In another post on X, Modi said he was deeply moved by the performance, calling it a reflection of the warmth, hospitality and rich cultural traditions of the state's tribal communities.

"I am deeply touched by the special gesture of over 13,000 students performing the vibrant Dhimsa dance during the inauguration of the Bhogapuram Airport. This extraordinary gesture reflects the warmth of the people of Andhra Pradesh and the richness of the state's heritage, especially that of the tribal communities," he said.

Addressing the gathering at the airport inauguration, the Prime Minister also praised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for balancing infrastructure development with the promotion of the state's cultural heritage.

Highlighting the significance of the new airport alongside the world-record Dhimsa dance performance by tribal women, Modi said the twin achievements reflected Naidu's vision.

"It is a hallmark of Chandrababu that he has embraced both aspects. On one hand, the construction of an airport, a facility that reaches for the skies, and on the other, the setting of a world record for the Dhimsa dance by our tribal sisters. I particularly appreciate this vision of Chandrababu,"the Prime Minister said.