Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru/Udupi, Aug 15: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with pride and enthusiasm in Mangaluru and Udupi on Friday.
District minister Dinesh Gundu Rao hoisted the national flag and led the ceremonial guard of honor at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru.
In his address, Rao paid tribute to freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Rani Lakshmibai, calling for unity and progress. He highlighted Karnataka’s welfare initiatives, including Gruha Lakshmi (Rs 1,377 crore disbursed to 3.79 lac women) and Yuva Nidhi (Rs 9.54 crore aid to 5,283 youth), as well as infrastructure projects like new bridges (Rs 200 crore) and healthcare schemes such as Hrudaya Jyothi (33,356 ECGs conducted).
The event featured a parade led by Bhaganna Vaalikar, with participation from police, fire services, and emergency units. Six minority students who excelled in SSLC and PUC exams—including Calvin Soans (99.2%) and Ayesha (97.33%)—were felicitated. Kumari Sindhura Raja, recipient of the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award 2024 and Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar, was also honored. Dignitaries present included MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, Speaker U T Khader, and MLAs Vedavyas Kamath and Dr Bharath Shetty.
In Udupi, women and child development minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar presided over the celebrations at Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium. The event was attended by MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Udupi City Development Authority chairman Dinakar Hegde, and district commissioner Swaroop T K, among others.
Both districts showcased a spirit of patriotism, blending tributes to India’s freedom struggle with a focus on development and social welfare.