Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur

Puttur, Feb 2: The tricolour was unfurled on a trial basis for a short while on Sunday February 1 evening on the state’s third tallest national flagpole, constructed at a cost of Rs 1 crore near the private bus stand at Nellikatte, opposite the Mahalingeshwara Temple in Puttur.

The installation of the massive 80-metre-high national flagpole began on Sunday morning. Using a large crane, the flagpole was erected, and by evening, the national tricolour was hoisted briefly on a trial basis before being lowered. MLA Ashok Kumar Rai and others were present during the installation. Hundreds of people gathered at the site and watched the proceedings with keen interest.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Ashok Kumar Rai said it had been their dream to hoist the national flag at a great height in Puttur. He recalled that six months ago he had stated that Puttur would demonstrate what true patriotism means. He said that no other taluk-level Assembly constituency in the state has hoisted the national flag at such a height, and added that Puttur can proudly claim to have the state’s third tallest national flagpole at the taluk level.

He further said that within a week, lighting arrangements would be put in place and the national flag would be hoisted. The national flag, measuring 2,400 square feet, will be flown on the flagpole. Each flag costs Rs 60,000, and it will need to be replaced three times a year. Patriotism, he said, does not come merely from giving speeches, but can be nurtured only by creating such meaningful installations and systems.