From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Nov 19: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday has called upon the people to take a pledge to preserve the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.
The Chief Minister administered the Oath of Unity at a function to commemorate the National Unity Day after paying tributes to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her birth anniversary at the Conference Hall in Vidhana Soudha on Friday.
Speaking to reporters after administering the oath, Bommai said India is a country with linguistic and cultural diversity. It is a matter of pride that India has successfully preserved its democracy and sovereignty over the last 75 years after attaining independence.
"On this occasion let us take a pledge to uphold the principles of truth, non-violence, democracy and would not abandon the path of non-violence and pursue peaceful means to resolve any issue through dialogue," he said.
India attained independence through the path of non-violence which is great and unique compared to other means, he said.
It was not just a political movement but an agitation of peasants and labour class too, Bommai said reminding the people of the saga of Bardoli and Champaran agitations during the freedom movement.
Even Mahatma Gandhi had visited Champaran to express his solidarity for Champaran Movement. The movement reached its decisive phase through Quit India Movement which drove the last nail into the coffin of British imperialism.
"It is our responsibility to preserve this democracy and sovereignty of the country and make it a success," he said.
Stressing the importance of maintaining peace, the Chief Minister pointed out that many countries were ruined due to violence. Peace is essential for achieving progress. Where there is peace there is progress. Economic progress and social security could be achieved only if peace prevailed.
Referring to a slew of programmes launched by Prime Minister Modi to foster national unity and economic progress, Bommai called upon the people to join hands with the Prime Minister to make the programmes successful. "New Karnataka will lead to New India, this is our vision. Let us work together in this direction," he said.
State Chief Secretary P Ravikumar, Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Vandita Sharma, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary N Manjunath Prasad and other senior officials were present during the function.
CM meets Envoys of Japan, France
The Chief Minister later met the Consul General of Japan to India Sujita Akiko and the Consul General of France to India Thierry Berthelot separately at his office in Vidhana Soudha and held discussions with them.
Review of Rain Affected Areas
The Chief Minister also held video conference with rain affected District Deputy Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of the Zilla Panchayats and also reviewed the situation in the city.
Revenue Minister R Ashok, Housing Minister V Somanna, Horticulture Minister Muniratna, State Chief Secretary P Ravikumar, Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Vandita Sharma, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary N Manjunath Prasad, Home and Public Works Department Additional Chief Secretary Rajaneesh Goel, Revenue Department Principal Secretary Tushar Girinath and other senior officials were present.