Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 30: The campaign “Students and Youth towards Agriculture – Gram Sampark Abhiyan” was inaugurated with grandeur today at Pilaru Bailu paddy field in Someshwara. The major highlight of the programme was the participation of Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader, who joined students in transplanting paddy saplings in the field.

The event commenced at 9 am with U T Khader inaugurating the programme. He reminded students of the significance of agriculture, stating that land, water, and farmers’ hard work form the foundation of society. With the guidance of experienced farmers and the aid of bullocks, the field was ploughed and transplantation of saplings began, offering students first-hand experience of traditional farming practices.

Demonstrating his deep commitment to farming, the Speaker remained in the field until noon, personally operating a tiller to plough an entire section of land. Students, journalists, bank directors, and locals enthusiastically joined hands in the fieldwork. Khader also explained step by step how paddy transplantation should be carried out and guided students directly while emphasizing the discipline and patience required in farming.

Adding vibrancy to the atmosphere, students sang and danced to agricultural folk songs, with the Speaker encouraging them with applause. The joy and enthusiasm of the students turned the field into a festive arena.

The programme was organized under the leadership of Kotekaru Agricultural Service Co-operative Society (R), Media Centre Tokkottu, Ullal Taluk Working Journalists’ Association (R), Dakshina Kannada District PU College Principals’ Association (R), with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Mangaluru, Sri Balanjaneya Vyayama Shale Pilaru, and technical guidance from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mangaluru.

The inauguration was carried out by Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader. The programme was presided over by Krishna Shetty, president of Kotekaruguttu and Kotekaru Agricultural Service Co-operative Society (R). Vice-presidents Abu Sali, directors Krishnappa Salyan, Arun Tokkottu, Surekha Chandrappa, Gangadhar Ullal, were present.

Prominent guests included Dr. Honnappa Govind Gowda, Joint Director of Agriculture Department; Dr. T J Ramesh, Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Mangaluru; social worker and NRI Praveen Shetty from Meginmane, Muscat; Srinivas Indaje, president of Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists’ Association; Jayananda N Suvarna, president of Dakshina Kannada PU College Principals’ Association; Ravishankar Someshwar, president of Someshwar Town Municipality; vice-president Sapna Shetty, Purushottam Shetty, Deepak Pilar, members Purandara Das and Sridhar Alva, along with Sri Balanjaneya Vyayama Shale Pilaru president.

Progressive farmers including Eshwar Shetty (Pilaru Melmane), Gangayya Gatti (Pilaru Hosamane), and Seetharam Shetty (Pilaru Meginmane) also participated as guests of honour.

As part of the campaign, students and youth were provided with guidance on agricultural learning and activities. Various workshops, demonstrations, and agriculture-related programmes were launched with the aim of strengthening the bond between villages and farming.