The 66th Independence Day was celebrated here on Wednesday with fervour and patriotism. Cultural programmes were organised by various institutions highlighting the India’s freedom struggle.
The main programme was held at Nehru Maidan, where Minister in-charge of Dakshina Kannada C.T. Ravi said that the government was taking steps to construct a new Deputy Commissioner’s office complex at Bangra Kuloor in the city.
Over a month ago Mangalore City South MLA N. Yogish Bhat said that the Cabinet had given administrative sanction to construct the complex. The Deputy Commissioner had initiated action to reserve a nine-acre plot for the purpose.
Mr. Ravi said that the government had invested Rs. 991.57 crores in Dakshina Kannada in the past four years for its development.
A guesthouse at Kukke Subrahmanya for tourists had been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 50 crore. A mini Vidhana Soudha constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.30 crore at Sullia would be opened shortly, the Minister said.
He said that bids had been invited to construct a ranga mandira in the city at an estimated cost of Rs. 15 crore and for a hanging bridge across the Phalguni from Sulthan Bathery to Tannirbavi.
In all, 18 contingents and two bands participated in the parade. The NCC Air Wing Boys’ road safety patrol team bagged the first prize in the parade. The NCC Navy Juniors bagged the second prize.
A flight demonstration of a remote-controlled mini helicopter developed by Ratnakar Nayak, director, India Aero Modelling Society of Karkala, impressed many. The helicopter showered flower petals on the national flag hoisted at the maidan.
Students and staff members of Bearys Institute of Technology celebrated Independence Day by distributing schoolbags, pencils, pens, and footwear among students of the Government Primary School at Innoli.
Ajai Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Corporation Bank, donated three wheelchairs to the Mangalore Central Railway Station on behalf of the bank.
Thermax Ltd., Mangalore, distributed food and bedspreads to inmates of Chiranthana, a home for the aged and people with disabilities at Idya.
P. Tamilvanan, Chairman, New Mangalore Port Trust, hoisted the national flag at the office of New Mangalore Port.
The former Lokayukta N. Santhosh Hegde unfurled the national flag at Vidyagiri in Moodbidri. As many as 16,000 students participated in the function.
Students of Lourdes Central School enacted a skit highlighting corruption.
