Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 17: Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangha, Kotekani Daddalkad and the Kapikad ward of Most Holy Redeemers Church, Derebrail jointly celebrated the 77th Independence Day at Ayyappa Temple grounds, near Kotekani-Junction.

The corporator of 24 south ward M Shashidhar Hegde, former mayor of Mangaluru City Corporation,  Guruswamy Kunji Raman – muqtedar of Sree Ayyappa Temple and founder president of Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangha (R), Kotekani, Daddalkad and Edward J Coelho, gurkar of Kapikad ward, Derebail church, Mangaluru were  the dignitaries on the dais.

Edward Coelho welcomed the audience and introduced the chief guest. The participants then sang Vande Maharam. Francis Saldanha, the representative of the Kapikad ward conducted the parade command while the chief guest hoisted the tricolour of the nation and audience honoured the national flag by saluting and   singing the national anthem. The participants then spoke on the occasion and remembered all freedom fighters, their struggle, sacrifices for India’s independence and sang patriotic songs.

Then the leaders conducted quiz and games.  The winners were awarded with prizes by the chief guest and dignitaries on the dais.

The chief guest then addressed the gathering. In his speech he remembered the development he had done in the ward as well as leaders' ability to keep the harmony between the people of various classes, caste, religion and creed. He also requested to continue good work and conduct programmes in the future too and mark national occasions and other local feast celebrations.

After the vote of thanks, sweets and soft drinks were distributed to the participants. More than 100 participants belonging to different communities were gathered for the programme. Children’s participation was an additional attraction and it enhanced the beauty of the programme.

Juliana Coelho compered the programme.