Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)
Mangalore, Aug 16: The Ashoknagar Yuvaka Vrinda, Yuvajana Vikas Kendra, Ashoknagar celebrated the 66th Independence Day in a grand manner on Wednesday August 15. After the flag hoisting at Ashoknagar higher primary school premises, a formal stage programme was organized in the school auditorium.
Uniforms, saris, dhotis and a cycle, along with a wheelchair were also distributed on the occasion.
Henry D’Souza, Merrit Freight Systems Company LLC, Dubai and Mangalore, presided over the function. Hemarcharya, editor, Daijiworld Publications Pvt Ltd inaugurated the programme. Harish Sherigar, ACME Dubai, Joseph D’Souza, Allwyn Pinto, Rony D’Souza, Joseph Lobo and Nagesh Karkera were the dignitaries on the dais.
The programme began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries.
Wheelchair was handed over to Piyush Menezes, bicycle to Ravichandra Shiburaya and a cash donation was made to Vaibhav. Dhotis, sarees and uniforms were also distributed. The items were donated in memory of the late Cyril D’Souza and the late Agnes D’Souza by their son Henry D'Souza and brothers and in memory of the late Lawrence Mathias and the late Mary Mathias, by their son Joseph Mathias.
Adressing the gathering, Hemacharya said, "Even though we are celebrating the 66th year of Independence, there are many regions in our country that are lacking basic amenities. Lots of girls go missing every year, but no one knows where they go. There are scores of child labourers in the country. It is the time to ring the warning bell and rise against such issues and question the concerned, and think of the ways to alleviate such problems. Religions, castes and creeds have created walls and boundaries between themselves, hence we have to break these walls and work together and celebrate this day with untiy and brotherlihood."
Henry D'Souza urged the locals to get in touch with Ashoknagar Yuvaka Vrinda members in case of any financial emergency, as he would be abroad and would not be available. He also wished the gathering a very happy Independence Day.
Cultural programme by children added colour to the programme.