Pics: Ramesh Pandith 

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru 

Mangaluru, Aug 15: “Celebration of independence becomes meaningful when you share it with your brethren,” said Joseph Mathias, singer, actor and managing director of Merit Freight Systems Co. LLC Dubai UAE.

He was speaking at the Independence Day celebrations organised by Ashoknagar Yuvaka Sangha at Ashoknagar Higher Primary School on Thursday. 

“When our fellow citizens are deprived of basic amenities, how can we celebrate Independence Day with pomp? It is our duty to share and care for our fellow citizens to enjoy freedom to the fullest. Though our country celebrates 73rd Independence Day, a large section of people are still not liberated from problems like poverty, unemployment and ill health,” he said. 

From last 22 years, Ashoknagar Yuvaka Sangha is distributing uniform to schoolchildren, clothes to senior citizens, cycle to the needy and wheelchairs to disabled persons. Since the last 10 years, NRI Entrepreneur Joseph Mathias has joined the Sangha’s humane mission in memory of his late father Lawrence Mathias and late mother Mary Mathias. This year instead of wheelchairs, a sewing machine was distributed, to help a poor family earn an income. Cash for medical aid was also distributed to a differently abled child.

Joseph Mathias also remembered his associate late Henry D’Souza and said it was he who motivated him to take up this noble cause. 

Raymond D’ Cunha, editor-in-chief of Pingara Kannada Weekly inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. Rajagopal Shetty, president, Hindu Dharmika Seva Sangha, Mangaluru and H M Pernal, editor of Kittall.com, premier Konkani literary website were guests of honour on this occasion. 

In his inaugural message, Raymond D’ Cunha said, “Though we are celebrating 73rd Independence Day today, we have not obtained complete freedom as country is still suffering from economic imparity. Our constitution has given equal rights to all citizens irrespective of caste and creed. As a country, we can experience freedom in its true spirit only when we stay united.” 

Lauding the efforts of Ashoknagar Yuvaka Sangha, Raymond said, “Youth Associations like A.Y. K are real ambassadors promoting equality and secular principles in this country.” 

The programme started with a prayer song sung by students of Ashoknagar Higher Primary School. 

M Rajagopal Shetty, president of Hindu Dhramika Seva Sangha, Mangaluru said, “Though this is 73rd Independence Day, in real sense it is the first independence day which is celebrated from Kashmir to Kanyakumari as one nation.” He urged the beneficiaries to become independent in life by making best use of aids. 

H M Pernal said, “There is a saying God cannot be everywhere so he created mothers. Similarly, Yuvaka Sangha’s and philanthropists like Joseph Mathias help people in need when they are left helpless. As Joseph Mathias is also an artist and singer, he understands pain of marginalized sections of the society quickly.” 

Joseph Mathias handed over a cycle to Jayarama. Joseph’s wife Flavia Mathias handed over sewing machine to Usha. H M Pernal handed over cash for medical aid to Vilona Priya Veigas. 

In his presidential address, Shanker N Poonja expressed his gratitude to the donors and beneficiaries as well. 

Vasudeva read out the names of beneficiaries. Chetan Kumar welcomed the gathering, introduced the guests and compered the entire programme. 

B Nagesh Karkera, president of the Sangha, R Praveen Kumar, treasurer, Jagannath and Jayaram, vice presidents and other committee members, schoolchildren, parents and teachers and were present.