Governor H.R. Bhardwaj has said that problems faced by women have been engaging the attention of governments and civil societies and they must be attended to with all sincerity and firmness.
Addressing the State after hoisting the tricolour to mark the 64th Republic Day at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground here on Saturday, he said women have had very high status in India.
Apparently referring to the political instability and scam-tainted governance in the State, Mr. Bhardwaj said: “democracy disciplined and enlightened is the finest in the world. A democracy prejudiced, ignorant and superstitious will land itself in chaos and may be self-destroying.”
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s message on discipline in democracy, he said: “democracy in essence means the art and science of mobilising the entire physical, economic and spiritual resources of all sections of people in the service of the common good of all.”
He said secularism in India was the basis of the country’s existence wherein all people had a right to practice their faith. “On this day, we have to reiterate our commitment to keep our unity of heads and heart,” he said.
Mr. Bhardwaj appealed to Parliament and State Assemblies to ensure debates touching the problems of the weaker sections of society and the rural poor. Karnataka had contributed richly to the culture, development and economy of the country, and had some outstanding centres of information technology and biotechnology. The State achieved significant progress since Independence, thereby getting nationwide recognition.
Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar also participated in the function.
