Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Dec 12: Patriotic spirit ran high as scores of bikers vroomed on their machines as part of the India @75 BRO Motorcycle Expedition programme organised by the Indian Army, Mangaluru City Corporation to mark the 75th Year of Independence Day of India or 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' held at Sudheendra Sabha Bhavana, Canara High School here on Sunday, December 12.
Border Roads Organisation's India @75 BRO Motorcycle Expedition will travel 20,000 kilometers. The Motorcycle Expedition consists of 75 bikes, spanning 75 days, and 6 teams. One team of Border Roads Organisation's India @75 BRO Motorcycle Expedition which entered the city had 26 members from BRO. The team from Mangaluru will travel via Udupi, Uttar Karnataka and reach Goa.
Addressing the gathering, minister for energy and Kannada and culture V Sunil Kumar said, "Instead of involving themselves only in reading textbooks, writing exams and scoring high marks, students should travel around the country. They should involve themselves in adventures, sports, physical activity, and literature.
"When we listen to the stories of our soldiers, we feel so proud of them. When students travel around the country, they will gain good experience and will feel that this country is one, with different people, cultures, and languages. It is our duty and responsibility to support and encourage our soldiers. Thanks to our soldiers, we the citizens are living a peaceful life in the country," the minister said.
He also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for celebrating Deepavali along with soldiers at the border.
Sunil Kumar also honoured Col P H Reddy who led the 6th team of the motorbike expedition of Border Roads Organisation.
Police commissioner N Shashi Kumar in his address said that soldiers play an important role in maintaining peace. "When there is a narrow mindset that sees only differences between languages, or differences among states, they play an important role in erasing those barriers," he said.
Veteran AVM Ramesh Karnik called upon academicians to organise adventure activities for students to explore nature. "Adventure sports will connect people's hearts and minds. Make the best use of life by involving in adventurous activities and this will help to show respect for nature and help to develop a sense of courage in students."
Former minister and current MLA U T Khader said, "Let us all contribute to the unity of the nation. It is our responsibility to uphold the dignity of democracy of this country and take it to the top. Whatever work we do or whatever we say, we should not harm the unity of this country."
Speaking on the death of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, Khader said that the union government should find out the actual cause of the mishap which led to his death.
MLA Vedavyas Kamath said, "We should respect the service of our soldiers. But pervert minds are celebrating the death of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on social media which is really a painful thing. Such kind of mindset should change, We should have respect for our brave soldiers."
Brigadier Purvimath DM, veteran AVM, Brigadier IN Rai, mayor Premananda Shetty, vice-chancellor of Mangalore University P S Yadapadithaya also spoke on the occasion.
Col Sharath Bhandary, Col A K Sharma GpCdr, NCC Mangaluru, SM Airan, president, DK Ex-Servicemen Association, Mithun Chowter of Tribhuvan Motors and others were present.
Captain Ganesh Karnik welcomed the gathering and urged minister Sunil Kumar to sanction 10 acres of land in Karkala to establish a full-fledged training center for National Cadet Corps (NCC).
The 6th team of India @75 BRO Motorcycle Expedition has started their expedition from Trivandrum to Goa.