Report & Photo: Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Aug 15: “Today is a day of joy for our nation — a day to remember the brave heroes and freedom fighters who protected our country and won us independence. This day should also be observed as a symbol of the sacrifices made for our nation. True freedom lies in pledging to shoulder the responsibility of our great country’s future. We must work every day to make our nation better, treat everyone equally, and live with love and harmony. Protecting our hard-won freedom is our collective duty. Let children, youth, and elders alike take up this responsibility voluntarily and contribute to the progress of our country,” urged Santa Cruz Kannada Sangha president Sujata R Shetty.
She was addressing the gathering at the Sangha’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, held on Friday morning at the association’s office in Vakola, Santa Cruz East.
Members of the Sangha, local residents, and children participated in the programme. President Sujata Shetty hoisted the national flag, which was saluted by members, followed by the singing of the national anthem to express patriotic fervour.
Honorary president L V Amin said that India, which continued its progress after independence, remembers and honours the sacrifices of all freedom fighters — a mark of the greatness of its people. “Seventy-nine years ago, on August 15, India won independence and successfully transitioned to democracy. As we salute the tricolour today, we must recall these moments. India is home to one of the world’s oldest democracies, and we must strengthen its practice while upholding our Constitution above all else. The free India we see today is the result of the sacrifices of brave patriots. Therefore, let us move the nation forward with love, dedication, and coexistence,” he said.
The event was attended by vice-president Bhajanga R Shetty, honorary general secretary Jaya V Poojary, honorary treasurer Sudhakar Uchchil, honorary joint secretary Chandrahass J Kotyan, honorary joint treasurer Bannanje Ravindra Avin, cultural wing head Vanita Yogesh Nonda, education committee head Vijayakumar K Kotyan, advisors and executive committee members Sumitra G Devadiga, Girish Shetty, Babita G Poojary, Veena Gowda, Shalini G Shetty, Praveen Shetty, along with many local residents and children.
The programme concluded with the flag salute and national anthem. Jaya V Poojary welcomed the gathering, compered the event, and proposed the vote of thanks.