Pics: Suprith
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Nov 1: "I grew up looking at myself through the mirror of Kannada and listening to lessons on education, wisdom, values and treating everyone equally. Having been born in Mysuru, the cultural capital of Karnataka, and now standing before you as the district in-charge minister of Udupi, a land known for communal harmony, brotherhood and religious coexistence, I consider it a great blessing. I am always grateful for the opportunity to serve Kannada and Kannadigas and repay the debt I owe to this language and land," said minister for food, civil supplies and consumer affairs and Udupi district in-charge minister Rizwan Arshad at the district-level Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations.
The district-level Karnataka Rajyotsava celebration held at Ajjarkad ground, Udupi, on Friday, November 1, was formally inaugurated with the hoisting of the national flag by minister Rizwan Arshad. The programme was followed by a colourful parade featuring contingents from various departments, schools and colleges.
Speaking on the occasion, minister Rizwan Arshad extended his greetings to all Kannadigas and Kannada-speaking people. "Religion should remain a matter within the four walls and should not spill onto the streets. When we step out of our homes, temples, mosques and churches, our voices should be united, without discrimination in our words. We have grown up hearing from our parents that we are all Indians and Kannadigas. Nothing is greater than humanity," he said.
Quoting Adikavi Pampa, the minister said, "Manuja kulam tanonde valam" (the entire human race is one), adding that the message should remain a guiding principle for everyone. He highlighted the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Udupi, recalling the contributions of Madhvacharya, saint Kanakadasa and Narayana Guru, who travelled from Kerala to spread the message of unity and equality. He also recalled the contributions of Khan Bahadur Haji Abdullah Qasim, who stood for religious harmony in Udupi and upheld the belief that a mosque is as sacred as a mutt, irrespective of religious differences.
Highlighting the contributions of several personalities to Kannada literature and culture, minister Rizwan Arshad mentioned Shishunala Sharifa, S K Karim Khan, Nisar Ahmed, Ustad Faiyaz Khan, Pailwan Ranjan and B L Rice. He praised the Jnanpith award-winning writers who brought recognition to Kannada literature. He also remembered Dr T M A Pai for transforming Manipal into an educational hub and acknowledged the contributions of coastal Karnataka to art, culture, education and society.
Congratulating the distinguished personalities from Udupi who received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award this year, the minister appreciated B V Acharya for his contributions to the judicial field and Gopal Ganiga for his service to Yakshagana.
Speaking about the development initiatives undertaken in the district, the minister said the government was giving importance to the effective implementation of guarantee schemes, public service initiatives, maintenance of fisheries link roads, Bharat Jodo youth organisations, quality healthcare services, weather-based crop insurance and the promotion of horticulture and agriculture. He said special attention was being given to strengthening fisheries, which is the economic backbone of the district. Initiatives such as 'Kala Nadige, Nimma Balige' were also being implemented to promote local artists and provide encouragement to tourists visiting the coastal region.
Recalling Udupi's contribution to India's banking sector, the minister remembered Khan Bahadur Haji Abdullah, who established Corporation Bank, and Dr T M A Pai, Anant Pai and Vaman Srinivas Kudva, who were instrumental in establishing Syndicate Bank.
The minister also praised the contributions of the Billavas, Mogaveeras and other communities of Tulu Nadu in bringing recognition and pride to the region. He highlighted the beauty, wealth, traditions and cultural richness of the coastal region. "Although Tulu Nadu is an important part of our culture, Udupi's contribution to the great Kannada heritage is immense. It is deeply unfortunate and painful that attempts are being made to sow hatred among people in a land with such a glorious legacy. We must all remain vigilant. At this juncture, it is our greatest responsibility to remember that we are Indians and Kannadigas first, and that caste, religion and sectarian differences should never divide us," he said.
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Coastal Development Authority president M A Gafoor, Bengaluru Sri Narayana Guru Development Corporation chairman Manjunath Poojary, Udupi deputy commissioner and president of the district-level Kannada Rajyotsava celebration committee Swaroopa T K, superintendent of police Hariram Shankar and zilla panchayat chief executive officer Prateek Bayal were present on the occasion.