Udupi
The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour in Mangaluru and Udupi on Saturday, with district administrations organising colourful programmes and parades to mark the occasion.
In Mangaluru, District In-charge Minister U T Khader hoisted the national flag at Nehru Maidan, inspected the parade and received the guard of honour. In his address, Khader paid tribute to freedom fighters and urged citizens, particularly the younger generation, to protect national unity, communal harmony and India’s rich cultural heritage.
He highlighted government initiatives in healthcare, education, infrastructure and disaster management, and said guarantee schemes had benefited lakhs of people in Dakshina Kannada. He also congratulated the district for securing first place in SSLC and second place in II PUC results.
In Udupi, District In-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad hoisted the national flag at the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium in Ajjarkad. He recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters and highlighted Udupi’s contribution to the freedom struggle. Calling India a land of peace and harmony, he urged people to rise above caste, religion and linguistic differences. He said the government had started the Praja Seva department and initiated recruitment for 72,186 posts.
Arshad said Udupi had recorded a 29 per cent rainfall deficit and that measures were being taken to support agriculture and livestock. He also highlighted the Varahi-based drinking water project for Udupi city, estimated at Rs 238.63 crore. The Udupi Civic Watch App, a scientific flower-waste management initiative and a tourism mascot were unveiled during the celebrations.
The minister said Elected representatives, senior officials, students and citizens participated in the celebrations across both districts.
