From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jan 26: Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala asked administrators and planners cities to give top priority to maintaining cleanliness, especially in all cities and urban areas.
In his address after receiving the salute from the armed forces, National Cadet Corps, Scouts and Guides as well as hundreds of school children at the 67th Republic Day parade at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Grounds in Bengaluru on Tuesday, he urged the top brass to take inspiration from Mysuru City and make efforts in maintaining cleanliness in their cities.
"Cleanliness is Godliness," the Governor said and appreciated that it was a matter of pride for the Karnataka that the city of Palaces of Mysuru has been rated as the best and first city in the country in maintaining cleanliness in all aspects.
Vala said "cleanliness is essence of social health," and felt, "I hope, taking the inspiration from Mysuru, other cities will also be make efforts in this direction."
After unfurling the national flag, in his address the Governor the Smart Cities Mission promotes application of smart solutions to various infrastructure and services.
Six cities in Karnataka have been selected under the Mission, he said and felt it was a matter of pride for the State.
Noting that ''Digital India" was being implemented effectively in the State, the Governor said 4,000 government and private sector services were available on mobile governance platform.
A total of 103 APMCs have been brought under unified market scheme for online-trading.
On the basis of technological innovations, Vala said: "we should keep in mind that we do not lose the diversities which are our roots."
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Students steal the limelight at Glittering Show
The Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground came alive with a glittering presentation of cultural programmes by schoolchildren to mark the 67th Republic Day celebrations.
After the Governor's customary R-Day speech, schoolchildren, as usual, stole the show with as many as 2550 dressed in a riot of colours, dancing to the melodies of patriotic songs.
Daring feats and acrobatics on motorcycles by the military and state police teams kept the crowds spellbound.
A 10-minute cultural show "Kranthi Surya Ambedkar" by 650 schoolchildrren of NavabharatNirman Vidya Mandir, Weavers Colony Bannerghatta road and Sri Shaila Vidya Samsthe, Kadrinehalli, Banshankari II stage, in the City, walked away with the first prize.
The programe, which highlighted the life of Dr B R Ambedkar, received a rousing applause from the public.
The show was timely since the country is celebrating 125th birth anniversary and 60th ParinirwanaVarsh of Dr Ambedkar, who drafted the Constitution.
A large contingent of 650 schoolchildren of Government High School, Abbigere, bagged the second prize for thier show on a theme "Punyavantharu Naavu Bharatiyaru".
Another batch of 600 students ofRajarajeshwari English School, Yeshwanthpur, won the third prize for thier dance programme "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan".
In band category, Presidency Shcool, Bharat Seva Dal and Little Flower School, bagged first, second and third prizes, respectively.
Governor Vajubhai Vala later presented the awards.