Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Thejaswi U Poojary

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, Nov 1: The formation of Karnataka state, or Kannada Rajyotsava was celebrated with a splendid ceremony by the district administration at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru here on Saturday November 1.

District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao inspected the guard of honour. He also presented the 2025 district-level awards to 80 achievers and distinguished organizations at the programme.

Adressing the gathering, the minister said, “Today, as we celebrate 69 years since the unification of Karnataka, we recall these words with pride. On this occasion, I pray for peace, happiness, and harmony in everyone’s lives.

“Karnataka’s history, traditions, and cultural heritage are unique and glorious. Many noble rulers and brave leaders governed this land, contributing immensely to the welfare of the people. They protected and nurtured the Kannada language and culture — their legacy continues to inspire us.

“Building a prosperous Karnataka remains the government’s foremost goal. Many people-centric programs have been announced and implemented. The government is working hard to address regional imbalances that have existed since the formation of Karnataka. By taking governance closer to the people, the state aims to bring satisfaction and trust among citizens. Special focus has been given to the welfare of Scheduled Tribes, backward classes, minorities, women, farmers, and the underprivileged. Most citizens today benefit directly from one or more of the government’s welfare schemes.

“Through the implementation of the Guarantee Schemes, the state has taken decisive steps toward creating a happy and prosperous Karnataka. The simplified application process — allowing citizens to apply from home without intermediaries — reflects transparency and integrity in administration. These programmes have reached households across the state, promoting financial empowerment and women’s self-reliance.

“Under the Gruha Jyothi Scheme, 5.51 lac beneficiaries in Dakshina Kannada district have availed benefits, with the government spending Rs 789 crore so far. Under the Shakti Scheme, 11.01 crore women passengers in the district have benefited, with total travel costs amounting to Rs 373.81 crore. Through the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme, which provides Rs 2,000 monthly to the woman head of each family, 3.79 lac women in the district have received a total of Rs 1,377 crore so far. Under the Anna Bhagya Scheme, 11.76 lakh beneficiaries are receiving an additional 5 kg of rice free of cost per person. Under the Yuva Nidhi Scheme, financial assistance of Rs 9.54 crore has been provided to 5,283 youths during their time of need. Under Amruth Nagarothana Phase-4, Rs 110 crore has been sanctioned to 13 urban local bodies in Dakshina Kannada, with 144 projects completed.

“There are 19 Indira Canteens operating in the district providing affordable meals, with plans to open seven more.

“In housing projects, 3,541 beneficiaries in urban areas have been selected, of which 2,969 houses have been completed. In Surathkal, 792 beneficiaries have been chosen under a G+3 group housing model, which is in progress.

“Water supply projects are underway for Someshwar, Bajpe, Kinnigoli, Mulki, and Moodbidri towns, along with underground drainage works in Bantwal and Ullal. A Rs 40 crore project is in progress under the Minor Irrigation Department to protect the left bank of River Netravati from Pavoor to Boliyaru in Ullal taluk.

“Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, seven multi-village drinking water projects are ongoing. Dakshina Kannada is also the first district in the state to have MRF units for dry waste management in all 223 gram panchayats.

“A new Cath Lab at Wenlock District Hospital has been opened to provide affordable cardiac treatment to the poor. Approval has been granted for constructing a new OPD block at a cost of Rs 90 crore.

“To enhance the quality of education, 18 schools in Dakshina Kannada have been upgraded to Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), and efforts are underway to expand this model to more schools.

“Development projects are being implemented at Panambur and Tannirbhavi beaches under public-private partnership, with grants being provided to promote tourism.

“Tender processes have been initiated for the construction of a long-awaited drama theatre in Mangaluru, fulfilling a major cultural demand.

“Additional grants have been sanctioned for completing the Konkani Bhavan being constructed by the Konkani Sahitya Academy. The government has also approved the construction of a Beary Bhavan at Asaigoli in Ullal taluk by the Beary Sahitya Academy.

“Approval has been given for developing a Commercial Office Tech Park on 3.285 acres of land in Derebail village under a PPP model, aimed at boosting the region’s technology landscape, attracting diverse companies, and generating employment.

“Plans are underway to construct a ring road from Talapady to Surathkal to ease traffic congestion on city and national highways,” he said.

The event was attended by MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, MLAs Vedavyas Kamath, MLCs Ivan D'Souza and Manjunath Bhandary, deputy commissioner Darshan H V, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Stany Alvares, Padma Shri Hajabba, Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation tchairperson Mamatha Gatti, and other dignitaries.

70th Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrated in grandeur in Udupi district

The 70th Karnataka Rajyotsava was celebrated in grandeur by Udupi district administration, at Ajjarkad ground, Udupi on November 1.

Udupi district in-charge minister and minister for women and child welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar hoisted the national flag and formally inaugurated the Rajyotsava celebrations. The ceremony was followed by a colourful parade by various contingents.

Minister Laxmi in her message, recalling the state’s unification, said, “The freedom fighters of our state not only fought against colonial rule but also dreamed of uniting all Kannada-speaking people, who were then divided across different provinces like Bombay-Karnataka, Hyderabad-Karnataka, and Madras regions. Their vision culminated on November 1, 1956, when Mysore State was formed based on linguistic reorganization. Later, in 1973, under the leadership of Devaraj Urs, our state proudly adopted the name Karnataka. The sacrifices of the leaders, writers, and visionaries who fought for Karnataka’s unification are unforgettable. We must express our deep gratitude to everyone who enriched Kannada literature and culture. Our state is known worldwide for its rich heritage, from coffee and gold to silk sarees that symbolize Karnataka’s elegance.”

Highlighting the state’s cultural and social richness, Hebbalkar added, “Great icons like Basavanna, Rani Chennamma and Sir M Visvesvaraya have glorified our land. It is now our responsibility to preserve and strengthen our language, culture, and traditions. Let us all join hands to uphold our identity and pride. Our district has made remarkable progress in the field of education since Independence. People from this region have excelled academically, finding success not just across India but also in foreign lands, spreading the essence of Kannada everywhere. Our people uphold noble traditions, community service, and cultural values.”

The minister also lauded the district’s spirit of public participation, and said, “Public participation in developmental work is a proud example, like the newly built Neere gram panchayat office, which came up through both government grants and community contributions. Similarly, the Devadas family’s donation of Rs 25 lac for an ultrasound scanner at the district hospital shows how deeply community spirit thrives here. Another unique distinction is our district has a higher female population with 1,004 women for every 1,000 men. The matrilineal family system, still prevalent here, is a matter of great pride and rarity in the world.”

Speaking about government initiatives, Hebbalkar highlighted, “Our government’s five guarantee schemes have empowered rural women, lifting 70–95% of the poor and underprivileged to a better standard of living. Studies show that most women now use the benefits for nutrition, healthcare, and wellbeing. The Yuvanidhi scheme has strengthened our youth economically, and so far, the government has invested Rs 1 lakh crore in guarantee-based welfare programs. We have also enhanced cash awards for sportspersons, Rs 7 lac for gold, Rs 5 lac for silver, and Rs 3 lac for bronze medalists and allocated special budgetary support for sports promotion. Karnataka, known as India’s Silicon Capital, is now on the path to becoming the Innovation Capital of the World.”

The minister announced several upcoming initiatives. “To protect women and children in distress, the ‘Akkapade’ initiative will soon be launched across major cities including Udupi, Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Belagavi. According to the India for Justice Report, Karnataka police ranks number one in the country, a matter of immense pride. For our farmers, digital initiatives like ‘Nanna Bhoomi’, ‘E-Pauti’, and ‘E-Chavadi’ are ensuring transparency and efficiency in land records. The government has introduced various schemes for labour welfare, promoted industrial investment, and strengthened water conservation through the campaign ‘Neeriddare Naale’. Compensation for crop loss due to floods and rains has been increased by an additional Rs 8,500 per hectare over NDRF norms,” she said.

The minister also emphasized the new 2024–29 Tourism Policy, aimed at making Karnataka India’s leading tourist destination by creating 1.5 lac jobs and attracting Rs 8,000 crore in investments, including Rs 200 crore earmarked for coastal development. Other key welfare announcements included paid menstrual leave for women employees, Rs 1,000 monthly allowance for caregivers of differently-abled citizens, ongoing housing projects benefiting over 20,000 families, and ‘Namma Clinics’ providing healthcare to urban poor.

As many 70 achievers and 8 organizations of 7 taluks of Udupi district were felicitated and conferred with Udupi district level Karnataka Rajyotsava Award for the year 2025.

A grand procession was held from Board High School Udupi to Ajjarkad ground. Various cultural performances were performed on the occasion by various schools.

Deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K, superintendent of police Hariram Shankar, CEO Pratheek Bayal, MLAs Yashpal Suvarna and Gurme Suresh Shetty, ADC Abid Gadyal, president Karnataka State Coastal Development Authority M A Gafoor, president Udupi Urban Development Authority Dinakar Heroor, president of Udupi district Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, leaders Prasad Raj Kanchan, Ramesh Kanchan and others were present.