Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Adithya Aithal
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru/Udupi (JD)
Mangaluru/Udupi, Jan 26: Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour across Mangaluru and Udupi on Sunday, January 26.
In Mangaluru, the district in-charge and health & family welfare minister Dinesh Gundurao led the celebrations at Nehru Maidan.
Mangaluru
Udupi
Speaking to the media after the event, addressed the issue of chief ministerial changes. He stated, “There is no need to talk about one chief minister when another is in office. Siddaramaiah has become a leader loved by all, and expressing opinions about a change is irrelevant.” He also clarified that discussions on changes in the chief minister’s position were unnecessary, adding that senior leaders would make the final decisions on any internal party matters.
Minister Gundurao also responded to the robbery at the K C Road branch of the Kotekaru Agricultural Cooperative Society in Ullal taluk, emphasizing the importance of banks and financial institutions prioritizing security. He mentioned that police had been instructed to issue guidelines on security. Regarding the attack on Colors Unisex Salon in the city, he warned of strict action against those taking the law into their own hands and encouraged the public to report any illegal activities to the police. He stressed that hooliganism tarnishes the district's reputation and affects tourism, investment, and religious site visits.
The Mangaluru Republic Day parade featured participation from Mangaluru city police, traffic police, the Karnataka Women Police wing, firefighters, NCC students, and scouts and guides from various schools across the city. Cultural performances by schools and colleges added to the festive spirit.
Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan, city police commissioner Anupam Agarwal, MLA Ivan D'Souza and others were present.
Meanwhile, in Udupi, the district administration marked Republic Day with nationalistic zeal at Mahatma Gandhi stadium, Ajjarkadu. Due to the absence of district in-charge minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, who was injured in an accident, Karnataka State Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda hoisted the national flag. Other dignitaries, including Udupi district commissioner Dr Vidyakumari, police superintendent Dr Arun K, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Udupi CMC president Prabhakar Poojary, and coastal police superintendent Mithun H N, attended the ceremony.
Minister Byre Gowda accepted the guard of honor before addressing the gathering. He highlighted India’s historical struggles, noting the country’s experience under internal and external rulers, as well as the divide between the privileged and the underprivileged. He remarked on the colonial rule under the British and emphasized the role of the Indian Constitution, crafted by Dr B R Ambedkar, in guiding the country toward equality for 76 years. He also discussed the growing wealth disparity, where the rich continue to amass wealth while the poor face increasing hardships. Byre Gowda underscored the importance of the state government's five guarantees aimed at providing economic security and eliminating social inequalities.
The celebrations in both districts highlighted unity and the spirit of patriotism, with parades, speeches, and cultural events marking the occasion.