Hyderabad: The annual fish prasadam distribution got underway at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally on Sunday, drawing thousands of asthma patients and their families from across the country. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar inaugurated the event, receiving the first dose of the famed fish prasadam from the Bathini Goud family, who have been administering it for generations.
TPCC president and MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud, along with his family, also took part in the ceremony, joining a long list of dignitaries including Rajya Sabha member Anil Kumar Yadav, Fisheries Corporation chairman Mettu Sai Kumar, Congress senior leader Madhu Yashki Goud, and Karnataka MLC Manjunath.
Speaking at the event, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar acknowledged the deep faith that draws people here each year, hoping for relief from asthma and other respiratory conditions. “For 170 years, the Bathini family has selflessly served patients, distributing this unique fish medicine,” he said, adding that the state government has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the event.
Tragedy, however, struck on Sunday morning when a 77-year-old man, Satyanarayana from Medak district, collapsed while standing in line for the prasadam. He was declared dead on the spot, with officials attributing his death to a heart attack. His sudden passing cast a sombre mood over the event.
Meanwhile, authorities have ensured that arrangements at the venue meet the scale of the event, with barricades, water and power supply, medical camps, ambulances, and fire services on standby. The Fisheries Department has stocked over 1.5 lakh murrel fish to meet the huge demand.
To accommodate the influx of visitors, 140 special RTC buses have been deployed, while traffic restrictions remain in force around Nampally. The fish prasadam distribution will continue around the clock until 10 am on Monday, ensuring that all visitors have a chance to receive the traditional medicine.
