Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Aug 15: The Dakshina Kannada district administration marked India's 75th Independence Day with a celebration at Nehru Maidan here.
Minister for fisheries, ports and inland transport S Angara, who is also the district in-charge minister, hoisted the Tricolour and inspected the guard of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Angara said, "At the outset, I offer my sincere tribute to all the leaders of our country who sacrificed their life in the freedom struggle. Wishes to all of you on the 75th anniversary of Independence Day of our country. We are celebrating the platinum jubilee of our independence. We have an opportunity to strengthen the sovereignty of this country. We have to question ourselves whether the every person in society experiences real freedom.
"Our culture is unparalleled in the whole world. The stories of sacrifices of independence inspire us. This country which was wealthy was weakened by foreign invaders including the British. Our weakness for infighting is also responsible for this invasion.
"Let us not forget Amar Sullia fight that took place between 1835-1837, which literally shook the British from Mangaluru to Kodagu. Commoners like farmers, daily wage labourers stood against the mighty British in this fight for 13 days.
"The flag of independent India flew on the skies of this great country due to thousands of great leaders like Balgangadhar Tilak, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Subhash Chandra Bose, Zhansi queen Laxmibai, Kittoor queen Chennamma, father of nation Mahatma Gandhi and Ullal queen Abbakka," Angara said.
Hailing the union and state governments for various achievements, Angara said, "It is not an exaggeration to say that we are fortunate to have the leadership of Prime Minister Modi during this difficult time of coronavirus pandemic. Our own Karnataka government, under the leadership of chief minister Bommai is involved in many developmental activities.
"The revolutionary thought of growing paddy in fallow lands of our district had filled new spirit in the farmers of our land. According to the dream of PM Modi, employment skills formed by people themselves have immensely benefitted people of our district.
"Already 12,56,821 people of the district are vaccinated against the dreaded coronavirus pandemic. District Wenlock hospital has been converted in multi-speciality facility for the same purpose," Angara said.
"Necessary action has been taken to provide compensation and relief to victims of natural disasters. Compensation is paid under the guidelines of NDRF and SDRF. As many as 584 works have been completed under the grant of Rs 1,659 lac. Through Coastal development authority 65 pedestrian bridges, 10 fish markets, 12 retainer walls, three theme parks and 13 community halls have been built.
"Under Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan scheme five kg rice is being given to BPL card holders. Under Atmanirbhar scheme 10 kg rice and groundnut has been provided to migrant workers in the months of May and June," he said.
"Plastic Park work is under progress after nod from union government. Culturally, district Rangamandira, Tulu Bhavana, Byari Bhavana, Konkani Bhavana and Cultural Bhavana are being built.
"Subsidy diesel of 39,590 liters has been provided to beneficiaries at Rs 9 per liter. Several projects are taken up under NAREGA, Swacch Bharath Mission, Black water management, small irrigation and Smart City.
"Let us all be self-reliant and self-respected and take steps towards building Atmanirbhar Bharath. Lastly, I request the public of DK district to get ready to face the third wave of coronavirus. Let us follow the guidelines given in this regard. Let us try to get good education and culture to our next generation," Angara said.
Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, president of coastal development authority Mattaru Ratnakara Hegde, MLA U T Khader and other will be present.
As many as eight teams, including police, fire service and emergency units conducted parades.