Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, Jan 26: On behalf of Dakshina Kannada district administration, National Voters Day was celebrated in the presence of various dignitaries, here at Town Hall on Friday January 25.
Prior to the stage programme, in order to create awareness of the right to vote, a human chain was formed in the premises.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr Shantharam Shetty, vice chancellor of Nitte University.
In his address he said that India being a largest democratic country, even after 62 years of independence, 30 % of the population is below poverty line, 20% of the people are uneducated. Firstly we need to find the root cause for these problems and then find appropriate solution. Only then we can achieve true democracy, he said.
“Most of us lack leadership qualities. Leadership means only political leadership instead we need leaders who can contribute to the growth of the society. Only then they will be called true leaders”, he said.
“At the time of Independence, Vinsten Churchill said that if we get Independence then racism and corruption will prevail in the country. To this statement, Indians had opposed then. But while looking at the present condition, I feel his words have come true. This condition of our country can be changed only by its youth. The youth while voting should select the suitable leader”, he added.
“We often think that democracy is affected by casteism and religion, but we never try to figure out solutions. Give more importance to voting than religion. Only then good leaders will be elected and our country will develop”, said Dr P L Dharma, professor of political science, Mangalore University.
“Our district which is well known for its intelligent people lags behind in politics. Politics does not mean to build a strong party; a person who clearly understands democracy will be a true politician. We should always have interest in politics and vote, adding to which we should also encourage others to vote, only through which we can bring about changes in our country”, he said.
District commissioner N Prakash, Dr M V Venkatesh, election officer, assistant commissioner, Shivarame Gowda, deputy secretary of Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat, K A Dayanand, additional deputy commissioner, Dr Harish, MCC commissioner among others were present.