The Independence Day celebrations at the Coast Guard Headquarters in its Karnataka unit at Mangaluru on Tuesday had a special significance as the news of its Commander S.S. Dasila being the recipient of Tatrakshak Gallantry Medal of the President of India just came in.
Mr. Dasila, Deputy Inspector General and Commander, reviewed the parade and hoisted the tri-colour to celebrate the occasion. Coast Guard units at Karwar and its Aeronautical Overseeing Team at Bengaluru too celebrated Independence Day.
A release from Coast Guard here said Mr. Dasila was conferred the award for displaying exemplary courage and acts of valour under extreme conditions while commanding Indian Coast Guard Ship Shoor. In April this year, Shoor was involved in a major fire fighting operation spanning over three days and averted sinking of MV MSC Daniella very close to Colombo harbour.
Mr. Dasila’s timely actions in the adverse situation prevailing onboard MSC Daniella, laden with more than 7,000 containers with dangerous cargo, not only assisted in dousing the fire but also managed to rescue the ship from sinking in the territorial waters of Sri Lanka, the release said. This act of the officer in response to Lankan Navy request resulted in saving 25 lives onboard.
The release also said Mr. Dasila was commended by the Director General in 2000 for operation ‘Nelson’ (October 1999), the first ever joint anti-piracy operation by ICG and Indian Navy. Pirated vessel MV Alondra Rainbow alias Mega Rama hijacked from South China Sea was successfully captured. It was the first known case in maritime history of pirates being captured along with cargo, the release said.
Mr. Dasila assumed charges as Commander, Coast Guard, Karnataka, in May 2017.
Cycling
Nearly 100 cyclists of Mangaluru ushered in the spirit of Independence by riding through the thoroughfares of the city on Tuesday.
Members of Mangalore Bicycle Club (MBC) and Mangalore Cycling Club (MACC), wearing their club jerseys and helmet, began the ride from City Corporation Office at Lal Bagh. The cyclists went through Bejai and assembled in front of the War Memorial at Kadri Hills to pay tributes to the war veterans. Thereafter they moved through Nanthoor, Kadri, Kankanady, Mangaladevi, Hoige Bazar, Bunder, Kudroli, Mathadakani, M.G. Road, PVS, K.S. Rao Road and Hampanakatte before joining the official celebrations at Nehru Maidan.
Tying tri-colour on their bikes and shouting the slogan “Bharat Maata ki Jai,” the cyclists drew the attention of people en route.
MBC President Donald Menezes, Secretary Ganesh Nayak, MACC Convener Anil Shet, and others wre present.
Both the clubs are actively involved in promoting non-motorised transport to reduce carbon footprints as well as improve riders’ fitness for many years in the city.
