Mangalore: 66th Independence Day Celebrated with Patriotic Spirit
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Aug 15: The 66th Independence day was celebrated by the district administration at Nehru Maidan on Wednesday August 15 amid fanfare and patriotic fervour.
District in-charge minister C T Ravi hoisted the Tricolour at 9 am before accepting the guard of honour while on an open jeep.
Addressing the gathering, C T Ravi said that the Independence Day celebration stresses on understanding the responsibility of every Indian. "This nation even after being attacked by the British did not give up or lose its inner spirit. Even today many countries are expecting a lot from this nation, a nation rooted in spirituality," he said, wishing every citizen of the district on the occasion.
He further said that the state government led by the BJP has been able to tackle political issues in a democratic way. "The government has moved ahead with remarkable steps to provide education, health facility, employment, and market for farmers," he added.
He further said that Mangalore has made a name in education and banking sectors. The city, blessed with Netravati and Phalguni rivers, is a place known for diversity. People speaking Tulu, Konkani, Beary and other languages with different caste, creed and religion live here with harmony and have contributed to the development of the district, he said.
He pointed out that freedom fightors like Ullal Abbakka Rani, barrister Attavar Ellappa, Karnad Sadashiva Rao among others were from this district. "Our ancestors struggled hard to get freedom and we have the responsibility to pass it on to the next generation," he added.
"The government has extended all support to the farmers who are the backbone of the nation. Subsidized seeds, fertilizers have been distributed. Farmers’ loans have been waived upto Rs 25,000, and loans for fishermen, weavers, farmers have been given. A sum of Rs 1,000 each was given to 10 lac small-scale farmers for the development of barren land. Subsidized diesel to fishermen was increased to 1 lac litres. As many as 2000 houses, each costing Rs 60,000, were built under ‘Mathsyashraya’ scheme. Fifty new fish markets were built in the state at the cost of Rs 10 lac per market. Pension for physically challenged persons was increased. Gram panchayat annual fund was increased to Rs 8 lac from 6 lac," he said and added that the government is not satisfied with all these but has the urge and determination to take the state to number one position in the nation.
"In DK district 22,693 beneficiaries of Sandhya Suraksha Yojana have been getting Rs 500 every month, which has supported them in their old age. A 3D planetarium will be built in Pilikula at the cost of Rs 24.5 crore. As many as 62 tourist vehicles have been given to unemployed youth of SC and ST community at 50 percent subsidy by the government. Hanging bridge to connect Sultan Battery-Tannir Bavi will be built at the cost of Rs 12 crore for which tender has been called. As many as 145 lakes will be rejuvenated, and Rs 5 crore has been allotted for each assembly constituency. A 400-meter synthetic track will be built after the rain recedes. Ranga Mandira will be built in the district at the cost of Rs 15 crore," he said.
He pointed out that in all, Rs 991.57 crore has been utilized for the development of the district in the last 4 years. Concluding his speech, he said that real freedom is when the last person living in the society has been benefited.
Altogether 18 troupes (including two police bands and 1 student band) Karnataka state reserve police, district armed reserve police, civil police, traffic police team, NCC army, NCC navy, NCC air wing, home guards and police band team and students’ band team marched in unison at the parade led by Raghavendra R.
NCC Army wing junior team led by Charanraj and Road Safety Patrol boys team led by Santhosh Shet shared the prizes for the their march.
Rathnakar Naik of Indian Aero Modelling Society held a demo of a helicopter model flying high in the sky which showered petals on the national flag, much to the delight of the people gathered. Later, a cricket match was also organized as part of the celebration.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, C T Ravi said that there is need for serious introspection by each person after 66 years of independent India. "Education in this nation should be based on Indian values. I am an example of our democratic system that gives a opportunity to everyone to grow. I hail from a middle class farmer’s family and have now become a political leader though my family did not have any connection with politics," he said.
IGP Prathap Reddy, police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, superintendent of police Abhishek Goyal, deputy commissioner Dr Channappa Gowda, Mangalore City Corporation commissioner Harish Kumar, zilla panchayat CEO Dr K N Vijay Prakash, Dy Speaker Yogish Bhat, DK district Kannada Sahithya Parishad president Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, MLA U T Khader among others were present.