Mangalore, Aug 19: The Kottara Cross Mitravranda including the Ayyappa Bhakta Samiti of Kottara Cross and small Christian Community of Kapikad and Kuntikan ward of Derebail Church here joined hands to celebrate the 63 years of India’s Independence on 64th day of independence.

All Public of the area around 150 in number - men, women and children without caste and creed assembled to salute the nation and sung National Anthem in front of the National Flag hoisted by John Moras, a senior citizen, businessman and socialwWorker of the area.

The activity started with the welcome speech given by Guruswamy Tukaram Devadiga followed by patriotic song -Vande Mataram sung by all. A Kiru Bhashanha by Terry Pais, the representative of Stree Sangatana of the Mangalore Pranthiya, reminded the hard work, non-selfish motive and dedicated sacrifice of then freedom fighters. She requested to join hands with the organizers for local development with basic needs of the people assembled in the path of non-violence, truth and peace and to celebrate the national festivals.

The public assembled also participated in the celebration including small children and parents by singing patriotic songs and also by delivering speeches. The quiz-time/group-spot games were conducted by Winnie Rodrigues and Edward Coelho amongst the local leaders.

Leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, Vallabhabai Patel, Chacha Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, Baba Ambedkar, Kittur Rani, Pinmgali Venkayya and Sri Aurobindo amon others were remembered. Prizes as a token of memory were given to all participants who continued the programme by self-involvement of their talent and beautified the celebration.

 Austin D’Souza, gurkar of Kuntikana Derebail delivered the vote of thanks. Sylvester D’Cunha was the master of the ceremony. Entire programme was conducted in Kannada.

In the evening four members of the locality- men, woman and a child joined together, saluted the nation through flag and sung Janaganamana. They lowered the flag with love and respect which stopped the passing public on the road as honour of respect to the Nation.

This is the 13th year the Kottara Cross Mitravranda celebrated the Independence Day. Every year the chief guest (Senior Citizen) are selected among the public of the area. The age and lifestyle is considered while choosing the chief guest without caste, creed and sex.