Pics: Nayana J C/Spoorthi Ullal/Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, Jan 26: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and grandeur across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on Monday, with ministers calling for peace, social harmony and responsible citizenship while highlighting the state government’s developmental initiatives.
In Mangaluru, the district-level Republic Day celebrations were held at Nehru Maidan, where dakshina kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao unfurled the national flag and delivered his address. He warned that the government would not tolerate any individual or organisation attempting to mislead local youth for personal gain or incite them into violent activities.
The minister said peace and harmony would prevail only when people practised the true essence of their respective religions while respecting other faiths. He stressed that sustained law and order was essential for development and urged citizens to cooperate with the administration. Divisive forces that seek to fragment society, he said, remain a major obstacle to progress.
Referring to development works, Dinesh Gundu Rao said the modernisation of the Mangaluru fishing harbour is being undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 37 crore. The project includes construction of a 320-metre-long new jetty, development of modern infrastructure, reconstruction of auction halls and installation of drainage facilities, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the fishing community.
Delhi-based probationary IPS officer Ananya Srivastava served as the parade commander and conducted the parade commands in Kannada. During the programme, 10 government school students who secured the highest marks in the SSLC examination were honoured with cash awards of Rs 50,000 each in place of computers. KSRTC drivers who completed 15 years of accident-free service were felicitated with silver medals. The family of Sindhu Shree, who donated organs after her death, was also honoured.
Cultural programmes were presented by students of Bethel Resal, Yenepoya, Carmel and St Agnes schools. The Bharat Sevadal Mullakadu school team secured first place in the parade competition, while the Scouts boys team from government high school, Kinnikambla, won second place and received the rolling shield.
Among those present were MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, deputy commissioner Darshan, IGP Amit Singh, police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, SP Arun Kumar, additional deputy commissioner Raju and heads of various corporations and academies. The programme was compered by Manjula Shetty and Umesh.
Udupi
Meanwhile, in Udupi, the 77th Republic Day was celebrated at the Mahatma Gandhi Stadium, Ajjarkad. Udupi district in-charge minister and minister for women and child development, disabled and senior citizens empowerment Laxmi Hebbalkar hoisted the national flag and led the celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, Hebbalkar said January 26 marked the implementation of the Constitution of India and reminded citizens of their rights and duties. She paid tribute to freedom fighters and urged the youth to uphold moral values and contribute responsibly to nation-building.
Highlighting government initiatives, the minister said ‘Akkapade’ centres have been established across all districts and police commissionerates to support women and children facing abuse, neglect or exploitation. She noted that more than 100 bills had been passed in the last two-and-a-half years to address public issues, including the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill aimed at maintaining social harmony.
On the occasion, progressive farmers were felicitated and scholarships were distributed to meritorious students. The Republic Day parade featured contingents from the district police, women police wing, fire and emergency services, home guards, NCC cadets, and scouts and guides from various schools and colleges.
The formal programme concluded with colourful cultural performances by students from across the district, reflecting India’s unity in diversity.
Dignitaries present included Legislative Council member Channaraj Hattiholi, deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K, ADC Abid Gadyal, SP Hariram Shankar, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Udupi CMC commissioner Mahantesh Hangaragi, Coastal Development Board chairman M A Gaffoor, District Guarantee Schemes Committee chairman Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, Urban Development Authority chairman Dinakar Heroor and others.