Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (RJP)
Udupi, Jan 26: The Udupi district administration celebrated the 67th Republic Day with pomp and splendour at Mahatma Gandhi Bayalu Rang Mandir, Beedinagudde here on Tuesday January 26.
The Rang Mandir, constructed at a cost of Rs 98 lac and located on 3.5-acre of land in the heart of the city, was officially inaugurated by Udupi district in-charge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake on the occasion.
Deviating from the norm, Vinay Kumar Sorake did not speak about the plans and achievements of the state government, due to the election code of conduct, and instead focussed on paying a tribute to the freedom fighters and leaders who shaped India's independence struggle and its formation as a republic.
After hoisting the National Flag and receiving the guard of honour, Sorake said, "I am very happy to be part of this celebration when we cherish the day we became a republic after attaining freedom on August 15, 1947 from foreign oppression
"The first step towards 'Swaraj' was taken on January 26, 1930 by the Indian National Congress. The day was declared as 'Total Swaraj'. In this memory, January 26 was declared as Republic Day beginning from 1950.
"Because of the efforts of Babu Rajendra Prasad and Dr B R Ambedkar we could get the most comprehensive Constitution in the world. The British came here for business and trade purposes, but made us suffer for centuries with their oppression. We should remember the sacrifices of many men and women who lost their lives for country. While we remember all of them, I want to particularly mention some great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Dr Ambedkar, Dadabhai Naoroji, Abdul Kalam Azad and Subhaschandra Bose.
"We should follow all the principles laid down in the Constitution and become responsible citizens. We should live happily as a family. We should take forward the culture, heritage and history with scientific development and ethics," he appealed.
D Manjunathaiah, commissioner, Udupi city municipal council, H S Premnath, deputy director, social welfare department, Udupi from ‘A’ group, Niranjan Bhat, district welfare officer for the disabled, Dr Roshan Kumar, assistant director, youth empowerment and sports department from ‘B’ group, Rajesh Shenoy, PDO of Bada gram panchayat and assistant director of rural development from ‘C’ group, Sampant, district superintendent, Diwakar, engineer, Nirmiti Kendra were honoured with Sarvottama Seva Award 2015-16 for their service.
Sheeba N Karkera, Ashita Shetty, Mahima Sherigar, Amulya Shetty, Ashitha Shriya, Manish, Deksha Amulya, Srinindhi Acharya, Megha Nayak, Sharol Anni Lobo, Mythri Bayari,Gurukiran Kulal, Gagan Gaokar, Padmavati (anganwadi worker) and Prashant Shetty (commandant) were felicitated in recognition of their achievements in various fields.
Nearly 16 teams took part in the parade. Umesh P of district armed reserve police led the march past. Colourful cultural dances were performed by various school children.
Udupi MLA Pramod Madhwaraj, DC R Vishal, SP K Annamalai, CEO Priyanka Mary Francis, P Yuvaraj, president, CMC Udupi, Janardhan Thonse, president town planning authority, Sunitha Nayka, president, taluk panchayat Udupi and others were present.