Stressing an imperative role of citizens in nation building, Minister for Medical Education and Raichur In-charge, Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil called upon the people on active involvement in Governments’ efforts to transform the country for better.
Mr. Patil was addressing the crowd gathered, at the 66th Republic Day celebrations after unfurling the tri-colour at police grounds here on Monday.
“It is impossible for the government to achieve all-round progress of country without active involvement and participation of citizenry. The civil society as a whole needs to join hands with the governments for making strides on the path of development and welfare,” he said.
Hailing the Indian Constitution as one of the best written constitutions of the world, Dr. Patil called upon the people to be cautious against the efforts of its alteration. “Indian democracy is flourishing on the solid foundations of the Constitution. We need to further strengthen it. Alteration and distortion of the Constitution for serving particular vested interests can in no way be tolerated. The conscious citizenry has a responsibility of guarding the Constitution by being alert against such efforts always,” he said.
He called upon for the dissemination of knowledge and conscious to every nook and corner of the society and using them as powerful tools in the fight against corruption and exploitation. He also emphasised the need of peaceful coexistence of different communities and religious faiths for collective prosperity.
Seventeen troupes, including contingents of the District Armed Reserve Police Battalion, Civil Police, Home Guards, Scouts and Guides, National Cadet Corps and several teams from different schools, participated in the parade. Well-prepared students presented exciting cultural programs.
Raichur Lok Sabha member B.V. Naik, Raichur MLA Dr. Shivraj Patil, rural MLA Tipparaj Hawaldar, MLC Sharanappa Mattur, Zilla Panchayat President Sarojamma, City Municipal Council president Mahadevamma, Tungabhadra Command Area Development Authority chairman A. Vasanth Kumar, Deputy Commissioner S. Sasikanth Senthl, Superintendent of Police M.N. Nagaraj, Zilla Panchayat CEO Vijaya Jyotsna, several political leaders, government employees, students from different schools, besides general public participated in the celebrations.
Madiga Dandoara, Raichur Navanirmana Vedike stage protest
Hundreds of activists associated with Madiga Dandoara and Raichur Navanirmana Vedike attempted to stage separate demonstrations with black-flags outside the Republic Day celebration venue. While the former's protest was against the state government's "disinterest" in adopting Justice A.J. Sadashiva panel report, the latter's protest was against the "inefficiency" of District In-charge minister Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil. The protesters were arrested just as their agitation began and later released.
