Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Aug 17: The BSKB Association celebrated the nation's 80th Independence Day at its Gokul premises in Sion here on Sunday with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm. BSKBA president Dr Suresh S Rao hoisted the national flag in the morning in the presence of office-bearers, executive committee members and association members, and extended Independence Day greetings to all those gathered.
The programme that followed was held under the chairmanship of Dr Suresh S Rao. Vice-presidents Y Mohanraj and Chitra A Melmane, honorary secretary A P K Pothy, treasurer Ganesh Bhat, honorary joint secretaries P Vinodini Rajesh Rao and Prashanth R Herle, and Gokul Kalavrinda president Shailini A Rao were present.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Suresh S Rao said genuine community-oriented service could emerge only when religious devotion and social responsibility came together. “Religion does not mean merely performing poojas and rituals. Serving the poor and underprivileged and contributing to the welfare of society is the highest duty,” he said.
He said when such religious commitment was reflected in patriotism, it would help make human life more fulfilling. He added that awakening spiritual peace and moral values among devotees, while extending a helping hand to those in need, would foster love and harmony in society. “Through this, both the upliftment of religion and the nation can be achieved. Let us build a prosperous and harmonious new society with human values,” he said.
The Gokul Kalashree Award-2026, instituted at Gokul by the late Bailur Balachandra Rao, was conferred on Dr Y V Madhusudan Rao, a talented writer, actor, director and Yakshagana artiste. He was honoured and felicitated for his contributions to literature and the performing arts.
Balachandra Rao's wife Prabhavathi Rao was present on the occasion. Shailini Rao spoke about the award and its significance. Prashanth Herle compered the programme, while I K Prema S Rao read out the citation honouring the awardee. A P K Pothy proposed the vote of thanks.