Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB/ANK)
Mangaluru, Nov 10: Heavy security has been deployed at the zilla panchayat office here in view of the Tipu Jayanti celebrations being held here on Friday November 10.
BJP district minority president Franklin Monteiro who tried to break the security cordon and barge into the premises was arrested by the police.
The police have barricaded all the entrances and conducted thorough inspection of the premises.
Every individual entering the premises has to produce valid identity card. Those without identity cards are being turned away.
Franklin Monteiro came to the venue all alone.
Programme
District in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai inaugurated the Tipu Jayanti celebrations, along with food and civil supplies minister U T Khader and others. The programme has been organized by the district administration, zilla panchayat, and Kannada and culture department.
The dignitaries paid floral tribute to a portrait of Tipu Sultan and inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Rai said, “When you hear the name Tipu, a picture of bravery and nationalism flashes across your mind. There are some forces trying to change history, but one can never change the truth. They are also trying to bury Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru’s contribution to the nation too. They are introducing their own historians as part of their agenda. There is a big difference between old and current historians. The olden day historians were never influenced by anyone. They wrote what they witnessed. So the history of Tipu is correct which we read and studied in our childhood.
"The state government's decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi has been criticized by some people. They have spread false information about Tipu and branded him as an anti-Hindu and communal leader. But the critics have never studied Tipu’s story in depth. When Peshwa of Maratha tried to conquer Sringeri Math and chased the Pontiff to Karkala and also destroyed the statue of Sharadambe, Tipu defended the Math and the pontiff successfully. Also, he did many good deeds to the Kollur temple. Hence, he is the symbol of communal harmony.
"Today the state government is celebrating the birthday of Tipu to praise his good deeds and his patriotism. By this celebration, we are trying to introduce Tipu to the new generation. President Ram Nath Kovind, during his last visit to the state, praised Tipu’s bravery and communal harmony. He also mentioned that Tipu used rockets for war and it is a milestone in Indian scientific history.
"Some people who are took photographs with Tipu’s sword are now opposing him. It is a part of political hypocrisy. My kind request to these people is that if you are not interested in the celebration, please do not participate or celebrate. No one is forcing you to be part of the programme. But do not create trouble in the society in the name of Tipu.
"We should not forget our freedom fighters and their sacrifice. Tipu Sultan is also a part of the nation’s fight for freedom. So as a nationalist, it is our duty to give him due respect," he concluded.
A book on Tipu, published by state broadcast and information department, was released by Ramanath Rai.
MLA J R Lobo presided over the programme. Addressing the gathering, Lobo said, “It is common to pay tribute, give respect and remember some special people who have built our nation. Tipu Sultan was a king who tried to build the state of Kannada. He was a king who defeated the British in war. Recognizing his contribution, we are celebrating his birth anniversary.
"We have to pick out good things from history. That will lead towards a peaceful society. Tipu was a ruler who did many good things to the citizens. His kingdom was known for good governance and communal harmony. If there were some minor mistakes in his administration, it does means he was wrong.
Narrating a story from the Bible, he said, "Jesus was at the Mount of Olives. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. They said to Jesus, ‘This woman was caught in the act of adultery. The Law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?’ Jesus said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’ When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Jesus forgave her and allowed her to go. This story shows that we all commit sins and do mistakes. Hence, we do not have the right to punish or criticize others. In the case of Tipu, we should see his positive deeds."
“In some cases, Tipu’s plans were handed wrongly by the lower officers of his administration. That does not mean that Tipu made the mistake. Former prime minister late Indira Gandhi declared emergency with good intention. But some administrative personnel handled it very badly.
“Hence, on this Tipu Jayanti, we should remember his good deeds, patriotism, good governance and communal harmony,” he said.
MLA Shakuntala Shetty, DC Sasikanth Senthil, mayor Kavita Sanil, MUDA president K Suresh Ballal, Tulu Sahitya Academy president A.C Bhandari, ZP president Mohammad Monu, ZP CEO Dr M R Ravi, and others were present.