Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 3: The National Service Scheme (NSS), Yenepoya Research Centre (YRC) Unit of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) organized Ektha Samskrithi Utsav, an awareness initiative to commemorate National Ektha Diwas and Kannada Rajyotsava, celebrating the spirit of oneness and the richness of our cultural heritage. This initiative aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, promoting education (SDG 4), heritage and community preservation (SDG 11), peaceful communities (SDG 10, SDG 16) and collaborative national progress (SDG 17) paving the way for a harmonious, culturally vibrant, and sustainable future.
The gathering was graced by distinguished guests, Dr K Chinnappa Gowda, former vice-chancellor of Karnataka Folklore University, Haveri and colonel N Sharath Bhandary, former president of University College Mangalore Alumni Association. The programme commenced with the rendition of the State Anthem, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp to mark the auspicious inauguration. This was proceeded by an awareness session by Dr K Chinnappa Gowda who emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural harmony, preserving linguistic and regional heritage and also stressed on the responsibility of every citizen in preserving the country’s rich culture.
Dr Chinnappa also led the audience in taking the Rashtriya Ektha Diwas pledge on the occasion of National Unity Day. Next, the audience was addressed by colonel N Sharath Bhandary, who cited the life incidents of Sardar Vallabhai Patel and inspired pride, responsibility and appreciation for shared values that bind us as one nation. Subsequently, a felicitation ceremony was organized to honour the two esteemed guests in recognition of their invaluable services, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication to the nation.
As part of the celebration, prizes were distributed to the winners of the e-poster competition and Kannada singing competition, recognizing their creativity and artistic excellence. The celebration then unfolded into a showcase of cultural performances, reflecting the rich diversity and immense talent of the Yenepoya community. The programme concluded with the national anthem, leaving the audience with a renewed sense of unity, pride, and appreciation for India’s cultural diversity.
The event was meticulously coordinated under the leadership of Dr Ashwini S Shetty, NSS coordinator and director, directorate of extension & outreach activities, along with Dr Yashodhar P Bhandary, deputy director of YRC and Dr Asif Hameed, convenor and programme officer of NSS, YRC. Joel Rimson Pinto and K Deepika Bhat were instrumental in planning and organizing the event. Research Scholars of YRC and MSc students of bioscience and computational biology of Yenepoya ensured the smooth conduction of the programme which led to the success of the celebration.