Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Justin D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru/Udupi (VP/JD)

Mangaluru/Udupi, Jan 26: Republic Day was marked with patriotic fervour in Mangaluru, Udupi on Friday January 26.

Addressing the gathering, district in-charge health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundurao said, "According to me, Republic Day is a very important day. Many times, I believe that the Indian Constitution, with its diverse cultures, instils the feeling that we are all one. This sense of unity comes from our constitution, which I believe is unparalleled. On this occasion, I want to quote Dr Ambedkar who said, ‘Those who don't know history cannot make history’. Many people are responsible for keeping the country intact, and we should not forget the sacrifices made by them.

Mangaluru

Udupi

“India is developing in all areas, and Jawaharlal Nehru laid a strong foundation for this development. The success of the five-year plans has contributed significantly. Although our government schemes have faced criticism, we have provided five guarantees that have helped many marginalized people. I can proudly say that these guarantees are among the best in the world.

“The Anna Bhagya Yojana has assisted many families during times of inflation to have sufficient and nutritious food. The Gruha Jyoti scheme has also empowered numerous families. Under the Shakti Scheme, females are receiving free bus services, which are popular in Mangaluru, with a significant number of people utilizing them. We plan to add more buses in the coming days.

“We are providing money to recent graduates and improving healthcare facilities. Additionally, new equipment, such as 53 dialysis machines, has been planned for installation in the district. We believe that in seven months, we have delivered on all our promises, and I am confident that we are providing the real Ram Rajya,” he said.

The Mangaluru city police, Mangaluru traffic police, Karnataka women police wing along with fire fighters, NCC students and scouts and guides students from various schools of Mangaluru were part of Republic Day parade. A cultural programme was also held by various schools and colleges across the city.

Former minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLAs Dr Bharat Shetty, Vedavyas Kamath, Rajesh Nayak, and Bhagirathi Murulya, MLC Harish Kumar, deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan, police commissioner Anupam Agarwal and others were present. 

The district administration of Udupi celebrated the 75th Republic Day in a grand manner. District in-charge minister Laxmi Hebbalkar received the guard of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar said, “January 26, 1950, is the day that should be written in golden letters in the history of India. That is the day on which India implemented its own constitution. Dr Ambedkar, through his experiential knowledge and foresight, wrote a great constitution for the development of the oppressed class of society. Our constitution has granted us free, democratic, and national citizen rights. However, we have to uphold justice, independence, equality, and brotherhood to make the constitution complete.

“Republic Day is a national festival. It expresses our belief in the national flag and constitution. Our economy is the fourth largest in the world, and the literacy level has quadrupled. We have become self-sufficient and export food grains to other countries.

“The achievements of our scientists have stunned the world community. The Aditya L-1 space shuttle has been successfully sent to the Sun for study. Our country is looking forward to more space works. I salute the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the protection of our country. We all have to make a vow to live in harmony without allowing any evil forces to raise their heads and disturb communal harmony.

“Our state Congress government has implemented all the five guarantees promised during the last assembly elections. People have to make good use of these guarantees. In the district of Udupi, 216,000 people have registered for the Grihalaxmi scheme. Money has already been transferred to their bank accounts. Under the free travel for women Shakti scheme, 71.32 lac passengers have benefited. The government has borne Rs 26.59 crore in this regard.

“Under the Grihajyoti scheme, 10 more units will be given to consumers who consume less than 48 units per month. Already, 3.12 lac people have registered for the same. The government has already borne Rs 77 crores. Around 6.27 lac people are beneficiaries of the Anna Bhagya scheme. So far, Rs 73 crore has been sent to their bank accounts instead of five kg of extra rice.

“For the fifth guarantee of Yuvanidhi, more than 1.4 lac people have registered throughout the state. In Udupi, 1781 eligible people are registered. Money has been transferred to their accounts,” she said.

Deputy commissioner Dr Vidya Kumari, SP Dr Arun K, zilla panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, ADC G S Mamata Devi, and district-level officers were present.