Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Aug 13: August 9 is a memorable day in Indian history. It is the day on which a resolution calling the British to quit India was adopted in the year 1942. To signify the importance of the day, customarily the President of India organizes tea party for the freedom fighters from different parts of the world at the Ashoka Hall of the Rahstrapati Bhavan in New Delhi and felicitates them.

Our own nonagenarian freedom fighter Shambhu Shetty presently residing here was there on this day to get this rare honour. He became the first-ever freedom fighter from the twin districts to have got this opportunity. Four other freedom fighters from the state, S I Aruldas from KGF Kolar, N S Huccharayappa from Isur, Shikaripur, Chennappa Gowda Shankar Gowda Narendra from Navalagund and C M Palakshappa from Hospet too participated in the programme.

President of India Pratibha Patil exchanged pleasantries and had a few words with each one of the freedom fighters who took part in the function. She also enquired about the problems if any they faced. Shetty explained to her about the complicated rules that make some pension benefits redundant for the family members of freedom fighters. Shetty came back to the city on the night of Monday August 11.

Shambhu Shetty is elated at the treatment given to him by the district administration, people of the district, Karnataka Bhavan staff at Delhi and legislators. District deputy commissioner, besides sending him a car during his onward journey till the airport, also arranged his return journey from airport in a car. She also kept in touch with him when he was in Delhi, Shetty said and expressed his deep sense of gratitude to all those who supported him.