Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Aug 15: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and a call for civic responsibility at a taluk-level event organised by the Bantwal Taluk National Festival Celebration Committee. The ceremony was held in front of the Taluk Administration Office premises at B C Road on Thursday.

The event commenced with the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag by Tahsildar Archana Bhat, followed by a formal guard of honour, which was received by Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik, representing various local units and departments.

A formal gathering was later held at the Dr B R Ambedkar Community Hall, where Tahsildar Archana Bhat addressed the audience with a thought-provoking message. “We must not misuse the freedom handed to us through the sacrifices of our forefathers. It is our duty to contribute actively to the nation’s progress,” she urged.

Municipal Council president B Vasu Poojary, who presided over the function, spoke candidly about the unfinished tasks of independence. “Even after 79 years of freedom, many still lack access to basic amenities. It’s high time elected representatives and officials responded with action to address these gaps,” he stated.

Bud Committee president Baby Kundar added a critical voice, noting that the day’s celebrations lacked energy and the spirit of the occasion. “The Independence Day atmosphere felt dampened, almost clouded. Such events should be platforms to remind people about the sacrifices made for our freedom and the importance of preserving it,” he said, urging better public engagement in future.

Jayanti Poojary, Chairperson of the Panch Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee, extended her best wishes to all, highlighting the importance of grassroots development initiatives.

The event also featured a noteworthy address by student speaker Bhoomika S Shetty from SVS Vidyagiri Educational Institutions, who reflected eloquently on the meaning of independence and the responsibility it brings to the youth.

The program was attended by several prominent taluk officials and dignitaries, including Sachin Kumar Jo, Pradeep D’Souza, Nonayya Naik, Ashok Kumar Rai, S R Naik, Shashank, police officer Sandeep K S, Asha Naik, and Vinaya Kumari, who lent their presence to mark the occasion.

The event was smoothly conducted by Gopalakrishna Neralakatte and Surekha Yalawar, who served as emcees for the ceremony.