Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network-Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 16: “The Independence Day celebrations are being held routinely every year, while none of them are bothered what happens in the country there after.  Although common man is interested to know about fellow Indians state of affairs, the political leaders seemed unconcerned.  The politicians, who have gotten the power with a little effort, had to think about the welfare of the citizens,” said Billawar Association Mumbai president L V Amin.

"Perhaps if the vote politics fails that would contribute for national growth. The freedom is meaningless if the citizens have no security to lead the life on their own. The politicians had to think about uplifting the plight of 40 percent of destitute in the country, by relaxing reservation based on caste and religion.  It would lead to national building," he said.

Amin was speaking after hoisting the national flag during a simple function of Independence Day celebration held at Billawar Bhavan, Santacruz (East) here on Thursday August 15. 

The association honorary president Jaya C Suvarna was the chief guest of the occasion.

Jaya Suvarna felicitated Seva Dal commandant Shankar D Poojary and deputy commandant Ganesh K Poojary, member Dinesh Anchan, by draping shawl and presented with memento and plateful of flower/fruits.

Speaking on the occasion, Jaya Suvarna said that Billawa community has contributed significantly in the freedom struggle.  The history shows, Damodar Bangera, one amongst Billawa community was involved in Quit India Movement, hoisted the national flag on the rooftop of Supreme Court. 

He was imprisoned by the Brits for his bravery.  He was awarded title of Bahadur by Brits.  Bahadur Damodar Bangera will be immortal in India’s freedom struggle.  Meanwhile, Indians are not free.  Although we have been granted freedom by Brits it seemed like transfer of agreement. The Independence Day celebrations were limited to mere annual celebration. The youth should be empowered to lead the nation, while Seva Dal can do their mite in honest way, said Jaya.

The great visionary Guru Narayan who strived for social reform and Koti Chennayya, the heroic icons of Tulunadu laid down their lives for liberty. The discipline of Shankar Suvarna is role model for Seva Dal. It should inspire the youth strive for nation building.  The freedom is unjust when politicians live on their terms by disregarding democratic values.

They ought to maintain equilibrium among bureaucrats whose inefficiency in discharging their duties led to major scams in the country. Perhaps, the majority of Indians can live freely; at least union government enacts Lok Pal Bill. The cricket and movies had to be given least importance, and strength the army of young India. The greed to amass wealth is an evil plaguing the citizens that degenerates moral values to a greater extent, said Jaya.

Dinesh G Poojary on behalf of Seva Dal, said that none in India are free although Indians are liberated by Brits. It’s unfortunate indeed. We will have no freedom, as long as we have tainted politicians and corruption menace. Meanwhile, at least the new generation had to be educated to enjoy fruits of freedom.

The contributions of Billawar Association are immense for the success of Seva Dal. The negative comments of a few individuals are not appropriate, they should not hinder in their duties.  They ought to encourage the yeomen service of Seva Dal rather than commenting to create disharmony.
 
The association vice presidents C T Salian and Bhaskar M Salian, honorary chief treasurer Bhaskar V bangera, women wing president Shakuntala K Kotian and others were present at the dais.

The Seva Dal women activists, members, Captain Gopal S kotian, Captain Sudhakar A Poojary and others were also present on the occasion. Nisha M Poojary and Soumya Poojary rendered the prayers. Seva Dal president Shankar D Poojary delivered the introductory address.  Ganesh. Poojary proposed the vote of thanks.  The chief secretary Jyoti K Suvarna compered the programme.