Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Nov 10: In the absence of district in-charge minister U T Khader, MLC Harish Kumar inaugurated Tipu Jayanti at Zilla Panchayat premises on Saturday, November 10 in the city.
Speaking on the occasion at Nethravati auditorium, which was heavily guarded by the security personnel, Harish said, "Unwanted issues on Tipu Jayanti are against the national integrity. The issues only help in insulting the freedom fighters and India's freedom struggle. Tipu Sultan was a martyr who sacrificed his life for our homeland. In his time he dreamt of a united society. India is a nation of many different religions. Our constitution gives freedom to follow religion, language or culture of our choice,"
"Here some people are questioning Gandhi Jayanti. Some hate Nehru Jayanti and others are questioning their own birthday. Some people question the existence of God also. But our nation tolerates them all because it is upholding the republican values and democratic policies. As a mark of respect to Tipu Sultan, the state government is celebrating his Jayanti. If anyone is not interested to celebrate Tipu Jayanti, we cannot force them. It is their personal choice. I have one suggestion for the district administration. It is not right to celebrate a brave man's birthday in some interior or hidden place. Next year onwards district administration should think of organizing the Tipu Jayanti event in a place which is easily accessible to the public. It's not a Zilla Panchayat programme. So it not limited to its staff. We need to make arrangements for this Jayanti to reach to the public," he added.
In his presidential speech Ivan D'Souza, MLC said, "There is no objection to Tipu Jayanti. Some people, who are opposing the celebration, don't know the history of Tipu and other freedom fighters. Those who believe in our constitution, accept the birthday celebrations of Tipu. Tipu was one of the greatest rulers of India. He was known for his bravery and developmental works in his kingdom. For saving Mysore, he engaged in major wars. Sometimes some innocents are killed during the wars. It was not intentional. His only aim was to defeat the British rulers. He fought with them to free our land from their slavery. He was one of the topmost patriotic people of India. He was the ambassador of development of Mysore. We should not relate and label him to a particular community. He was an Indian freedom fighter and his life is an inspiration to all of us."
Dr M A Uday Kumar gave a briefing on Tipu's administration and his achievements. Bhaskar K, Mayor, Mohammad Monu, president, Taluk Panchayat, T R Suresh, Police Commissioner, S Sasikanth Senthil, Deputy Commissioner, Dr B R Ravikantegowda, District Police Superintendent, Dr Selvamani, CEO, Zilla Panchayat were present.