Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi (NP)
Udupi, May 10: Udupi Minister Incharge Lakshmi Hebbalkar paid a visit to the Kapu Hosamarigudi Temple, marking her first public appearance in Udupi after recovering from a period of ill health that had required hospitalization.
Speaking to the media after offering prayers and performing rituals at the temple, Minister Hebbalkar expressed joy at returning to her official duties. She said “I am happy to be back at work. With the blessings of the Mother Goddess, I am starting afresh, determined to deliver good governance. The concept and history of this temple amazed me. I learned that the temple was built with the cooperation of devotees. Seeing the goddess seated on the golden throne makes one realise the richness of Indian culture,” she said.
Addressing the ongoing tense Indo-Pak war situation, Minister Hebbalkar stressed the importance of unity. She said “Whenever we say Vande, everyone says Mataram. Though we may have a hundred internal differences, when it comes to India, we must stand united. Together, we will face the current challenges, as a nation.”
She praised Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, hailing from Belagavi, as a symbol of pride "Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is the daughter-in-law of our Gokak taluk, from the Bagewadi family, she is Karnataka’s daughter-in-law, and we are proud. Every day, the world watches as she gives detailed briefings about how we are striking back at hostile nations. Listening to her updates fills us with pride and excitement. It is especially noteworthy that two women are leading these explanations and this is a proud moment indeed.”
Minister Hebbalkar acknowledged the sensitive nature of the coastal Karnataka region and announced a high-level review:“Tomorrow, I have called for a meeting with officials to discuss necessary precautionary measures. The prime mMinister and union home minister have already issued clear directives, and guidelines have been communicated to state administrations on actions to be taken in sensitive areas".
On anti-national sentiments being spread on social media she said “Any kind of disrespect toward the country, whether now or at any time, is unacceptable. I oppose such anti-social mindsets in the strongest terms. There is no place for such disruptive forces in our nation.”
Regarding the cabinet-level discussions on the caste census, minister Hebbalkar shared that “Seven ministers from our community came together, discussed the matter thoroughly, and arrived at a common opinion. We have finalised the matter and decided to submit our views collectively in a single, signed letter."