Pics: Ramesh Pandit
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SHS)
Mangalore, Aug 16: Innocent smiles of underprivileged children coupled with senior citizens striking an emotional chord were the essence of the 68th Independence Day celebration on Friday August 15 at Ashoknagar Higher Primary school here.
The active members of the Ashoknagar Yuvaka Sangha marked the I-Day distributing uniforms, sarees, dhotis, financial aid and bicycle to the underprivileged. These items were donated by Joseph Mathias, Philanthropist and Managing Director, Merit Freight Systmes LLC, Dubai and Merit Freight Systems Company Pvt Ltd, Mangalore in memory of his beloved parents, the late Lawrence Mathias and the late Mary Mathias along with Henry D'Souza, in memory of his parents the late Cyril and Agnes D'Souza. However, the practice was not new as this was their 15th such celebration, aimed at empowering the people living in the vicinity of Ashoknagar.
The Yuvaka Sangha distributed uniforms to 75 school kids, sarees and dhotis to as many as 20 senior citizens, financial aid for healthcare to three, and a bicycle to a newspaper seller.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Melvyn Rodrigues said, "The significance of independence lies in being aware of oneself, spreading love and extending help."
He noted that independence in real terms means liberating the society from the shackles of caste system, violence, deprivation of women's rights, inequality, corruption and many such illnesses that threaten peaceful co-existence.
He urged the gathering at the school to understand the real meaning of independence and actively participate in the process of nation building.
Henry D'Souza, director, Merit Freight System Company LLC Dubai, who presided over the function said, "Children must inculcate the habit of being friendly to everybody they meet in their journey of life."
He told them not to infuse enmity within themselves which would disrupt the harmony in society.
The programme was inaugurated by Joseph Mathias of Merit Freight System Company Pvt Ltd.
M Sundar Shetty, proprietor Golden Falcon Enterprises and members of the Yuva Sangha were present.