Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Oct 2: Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of nation was observed in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on Monday, October 2.

"Today the situation has come to such a point that we are only depending on children or students for the l celebrations of national events. Some time it looks like these celebrations are meant only for students. Very few elders participate in events like Gandhi Jayanthi, Republic Day etc. We should change our mentality and try to spend some time for our nation and for the remembrance of great national leaders," said JR Lobo, MLA of Mangaluru south constituency.

He was speaking at Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations organized by Rashtriya Seva Dal and Kannada Sahitya Parishat here on Monday, October 2.

“Gandhi gave leadership for our independence struggle. The leadership included equality, simplicity and patriotism. His teachings and thoughts are valid for all times and situations. Anyone with disciplined approach to life can follow his teachings. His birthday should not only be a celebration. It is an opportunity for us to embrace Gandhi’s teachings.” Lobo added.

The 68 year old civil worker of Mangaluru City Corporation and Gandhian Rudrappa was felicitated by MLA and dignitaries.

Earlier school children came in procession from Ambedkar Circle and offered garlands to the statue of Gandhi.

Basheer Baikampady, president, Bharathiya Seva Dal district committee, Pradeep Kalkura of Kannada Sahitya Parishad, Guru Prasad, Tahasildar and Kumar, Assistant District Collector, were present among others.

Gandhi Jayanti celebrated in Udupi

Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Oct 2: The 148th birth anniversary of the Mahatma Gandhi was observed by district administration in the city here on Monday, October 2. District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Bhujanga Park, near Ajjarakad.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said, “Mahatma Gandhi visited Udupi in 1934. He fought hard to give us political freedom. The power of casting vote is really not freedom, but economic independence was Mahatma Gandhi’s dream. Let us strengthen the nation to get economic freedom.”

Madhwaraj also recalled the birth anniversary of second prime minister of India and a leader of the Indian National Congress party Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Anuradha G, additional deputy commissioner; Manjunathayya, commissioner of CMC; Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje, president of CMC; council members and others were present.

Madhwaraj presented badges to civic workers as part of Swacchatha campaign.

Senior Citizens Organization members and Lions Club members also garlanded Mahatma Gandhi’s statue.

Bhajans were offered by on the occasion.