Adding glitter to the patriotic fervour at Nehru Maidan — the venue of official programme of the Dakshina Kannada district administration on Thursday — was a trio of from Japan waving the Tricolour.
Two women from Japan Haruka Ito, who is in advertisement business, and Maki Matsuura, a textile artist, both friends, were also wearing the tricolour wrist band besides holding the Indian flag. Their friend Satotu Komori, a photographer, was busy freezing the moments.
“I enjoy so much in India. It is real Independence in India. But in my country it is surrender day (war ending) day today,” Ms. Haruka told The Hindu team.
The District in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai hoisted the National Flag at the maidan, which was followed by a cricket match.
Cadets of the NCC Air Wing (senior) walked away with the first prize for the best parade. Students of Sathya Sai Band, Alike, bagged the second prize.
Nesar R Poojary, a class 3 student of Yenepoya School, Mangalore, was felicitated for his achievements in different fields. Mr. Rai gave away smart cards to some persons from Koraga community, considered the most backward in the district on the occasion.
A group of friends took “freedom ride” on their motorcycle at Bajpe. In Alva’s College at Moodbidri, artistes of Swarninand, Kolhapur, sang Hindi patriotic film songs. Thousands students of the college made a special formation around the flag post.
Personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force, fire service, cadets of the National Cadet Corps, and Scouts and Guides took out a parade on the premises of New Mangalore Port.
New power projects
Without making any direct reference to the ultra mega thermal power project proposed at Niddodi in Dakshina Kannada, Mr. Rai said the government was committed to taking up new power projects to become self-reliant in power production by 2017.
Special Correspondent from Udupi reports:
After unfurling the National Flag at Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium, Urban Development Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said that the government was contemplating setting up a horticulture university on the land of Brahmavar Cooperative Sugar Factory in the district.
