Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (AF / VM), pics by Dayanand Kukkaje

Mangalore, Nov 1: The 50th year celebration of Kannada Rajyotsava, under the banner ‘Suvarna Karnataka,’ took off here on Wednesday November 1.

A grand procession 'Sirigandha' was flagged off by deputy commissioner Maheshwara Rao at Bunts Hostel circle here at 8 am. Various tableaux by the fisheries department, the education department and others that showcased the rich culture of the state marked the procession.

Members of scouts, guides and Bharatiya Seva Dal along with other school children participated. Children were also dressed as various freedom fighters and leaders depicting the history of the state.

N Yogish Bhat Mangalore MLA, Vijaya Arun, Mayor, Mangalore City Corporation, A M Kunjappa, CEO, Zilla Panchayat, A G Bhat, headquarters assistant, DC's office and Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, president DK district Kannada Sahitya Parishat also took part in the procession.

The procession terminated at Nehru Maidan where district in-charge minister B Nagaraj Shetty hoisted the flag and delivered the Rajyotsava message.

KSRP, Police, Home Guards platoons along with Traffic Police, NCC, Guides, Bharatiya Seva Dal and Police Band participated in the march past.

The NCC platoon won the first place in the march past competition while Bharatiya Seva Dal won the second prize.

In tableaux of the education department was adjourned as the best tableaux. MCC and the fisheries department won the second and third place respectively.

The state anthem was sung and 6 government officers were given the Nagarika Seva Prasasti while 45 persons were awarded the district Rajyotsava award.

IGP Satyanarayan Rao, ZP president Mamata Gatti, SP B Dayananda was also present on the occasion.