Udupi: Nurses March to Glory in Multi-ethnic R-Day Parade
News & Pics by Divvy Kant Upadhyay
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Jan 26: There was a contingent of Malaysians. American and Canadian NRIs also participated. Spirited special needs children were in the band and a few of them marched to the tunes the band played. Budding nurses were adjudged best in march past and Saraswati, house keeping staff by profession led the home guards contingent.
The 60th Republic Day celebrations at KMC Greens of Manipal University mirrored liberty, freedom and equality in more ways than one. Contingents from the 20 constituent colleges of the University took part in the parade, the highlights of which were the contingent of Malaysian students and the nursing student teams which won the trophy for the sixth time in a row. If nurses stood for dedication and commitment, their participation in the R-Day parade reflected it. The crowds cheered the nurses as they marched in co-ordination.
The Malaysian contingent marching in the parade
Archana in the band
Saraswati, house keping staff leadng the home guards team
Meera Menon, going upto the stage to receive a special prize from Vasanthi Pai
Budding nurses marching their way to glory with dedication and commitment that their profession is known for
Audience
Dr Pai unfluring the flag
School of Nursing
School of Nursing with MU-VC Dr Warrier and Estate Officer Jay Vittal
M V Kamath addressing the gathering
The contingents
Lew Song Lin studying in the twinning program of the Melacca-Manipal Medical College (MMMC) led the team of Malaysian students. He explained that they were dressed in the outfits of their country's national army and took part in the R- Day parade as a mark of respect for India where they were studying in. An enthusiastic special needs child, Ms Archana was a member of the band and played her instrument with gusto much to the crowd's surprise and joy.
Ms Meera Menon, a second year student of BA Journalism and Communications at Manipal Institute of Communications (MIC) also took part for more than half of the parade. She was born with spina bifida (incompletely formed spinal cord at birth) and underwent a meningocele repair (operation to correct an abnormal opening in the spine) at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal when she was in Grade 8. This abnormality prevents her from walking or standing for long without support. Her enthusiasm is evident from the fact when Col Dr S K Sakujha, Joint director of MIC informs that she herself approached him requesting to be allowed to participate in the R-Day Parade.
Former chairman of the Prasara Bharati and renowned Journalist, 87 year old Shri MV Kamath was the chief guest. MU Chancellor Dr Ramdas M Pai unflured the National flag and inspected the guard of honour. Home guards veteran and Estate officer of Manipal University Jay Vittal led the organization team for the parade. Dr Poornima Baliga, Dean of KMC International Centre welcomed the gathering.