Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Nov 10: The district in-charge minister B Ramanatha Rai inaugurated Tipu Jayanti in Zilla Panchayat premises on Thursday, November 10 here.

Speaking on the occasion at Nethravati auditorium heavily guarded by the security personnel, he alleged that attempt is being made to change the history and spread rumours. "The history what we read is the one written by our ancestors. They were not the people who used to spread lies." Rai said. 

“People irrespective of the caste and creed participated in the freedom struggle and not only Tipu. Now the rumours are being spread to polarise people. We must question how right it is to oppose the Tipu Jayanti. Rumour mongers are national enemies," Rai added.

The lecture of the celebration was given by Prof Shivaram Shetty, the professor of Mangaluru University. "History about Tipu's rule for the first time was written in 1810 after his death by a British officer. Even RSS published his name in 'Bharatha Bharathi' book series in 1974 with regard to the lives of freedom fighters. He was introduced in the text books, dramas and movies. He was never so much unaccepted as he is now.”

"There were no objections earlier. Now we have to question ourselves as to why we listen to people who believe in making divisions in the society. We see Tipu now in the political context. Some say that they are ready to give our life opposing Tipu Jayanti, but the people who die are innocents.” Shetty added.

“When British marched towards South India, the prominent rulers in the south were Marathas, Nizams of Hyderabad and Tipu. Except Tipu, others made alliances with British and Tipu faced the British all alone. During the initial warfare, the British had to face the defeat. So they tried to create public opinion against Tipu's rule. Hence the history was written by British officials against his rule,” Shetty explained.

“The government must not be limited for just celebration of Tipu Jayanthi. Rather it must implement the good programmes of his rule especially that of tax collection, up-gradation of technology and formation of new industries,” Shetty said.

“We must live for great values of this land. Where is ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’? Where is unity in diversity? At the end of Kurukshetra war in Mahabharata Dharmaraj, who rose from the pile of dead bodies, felt the inner grief and questioned himself whom he was going to rule. Hence we must unite ourselves for what this land stands for.” Shetty concluded.

While rendering his presidential address chief whip of Legislative Council Ivan D'souza said "The decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti was taken for the betterment of the society, to remember the noble men of history and remember their good deeds. But now bad assumptions and thoughts are being spread. Attempts are made to change the history, to create tension by spreading false theories.”

“Where were these people when Tipu's life was a lesson in text books? Why they are objecting it now? It is extremely sad to note that innocents will become victims of this propaganda. The state government’s decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti is the honour Tipu deserved." Ivan added.

MLA of Mangaluru North constituency Moideen Bawa, city police commissioner Dr Chandra Sekhar, Deputy Commissioner Dr K G Jagadeesh, mayor of Mangaluru City Corporation Harinath, ADC Kumar, president of Dakshina Kannada Wakf committee SM Rasheed Haji and others were present at the occasion.

As the opposition BJP is opposing the Tipu Jayanti, president of Zilla Panchayat Meenakshi Shanthigodu did not participate in the celebration. Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo was also not present.

As section 144 has been imposed no procession was allowed in city.

Udupi: Tipu Jayanti observed, Pramod Madhwaraj absent

Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi (SV)

Udupi, Nov 10 : District administration, Zilla panchayat and Kannada and Sanskriti Department Udupi observed Tipu Jayanti on Thursday November 10, at Lions Bhavan, Brahmagiri, Udupi. Deputy Commissioner T Venkatesh in his inaugural speech said “Jayantis are celebrated to remember the contribution of great people to society. Tipu was also a great man who fought against British. Not only his territory was expanded during his rule, ut also remarkable development was made. His contribution to develop temple in Srirangapatna and Sringeri Math during his period shows Tipu was respecting all religions.”

Naveen Correa, the principal of St Lawrence pre-university college, in his keynote address, said, “During Tipu’s regime, he gave equal preference to the welfares of all religions. He used to go temple in Srirangapatna every day. Hindus were given more preference in his cabinet. He gave good donations to temples. His respect towards ladies was high. He told his soldiers to treat the ladies captured in wars were treated respectfully.’

“Though there was opposition by Meer Sadique, for the prohibition of alcohol and drugs, Tipu banned alcohol and drugs in his empire. He is the first person in the world to introduce missile in wars. Many lake and navy bases in Honnavar, Bhatkal and Mangaluru, are the indication of development of Tipu’s era" Naveen Korea concluded.

Meenakshi Madhava Bannanje, president of City Municipal Council of Udupi, presided over the programme. She also mentioned about the achievements of Tipu Sulthan.

Superintendent of police K T Balakrishna, Tahasildar of Udupi District Maheshchandra were present in the function. Commissioner of City Municipal Council Udupi Manjunathayya welcomed the guest, Poornima proposed vote of thanks.

Absence of district in-charge minister opposed

After the programme, the members of District Muslim Organisation who took part in Tipu Jayanti showed the outrage for the absence including district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj and other political representatives of Udupi district in the programme. General Secretary of District Muslim Organisation Udupi, Hussain Kodibengre talking with media persons said “District administration observed perfunctory Tippu Jayanti. The function was held only for 15 minutes. Government is trying to instigate Muslim community against other religions. These Jayantis are all for vote bank. Absence of political representatives shows that they are trying to escape from their responsibility.”