The Hindu : Karnataka / Madikeri News : Students told to take up nation-building activities

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Aug 16, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka - Madikeri

Students told to take up nation-building activities

By Our Staff Correspondent

MADIKERI, AUG. 15. The Deputy Commissioner, Srikant Valagad, on Sunday exhorted the people to renew their pledge to build a strong and vibrant India.

He was addressing a gathering at the Fort here after unfurling the national flag as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

Mr. Valagad, who received a guard of honour from various contingents, said the Government was keen on ensuring the development of villages through the panchayat raj system as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhiji.

The officials concerned should implement government schemes honestly, he said.

Freedom fighters

The Deputy Commissioner paid rich tributes to freedom fighters in Kodagu such as C.M. Poonacha, K.M. Devaiah, K.K. Belliappa, H.C. Dasappa, Matanda Madappa, and others. Every citizen should take a pledge to foster unity and integrity of the nation.

`Progress impeded'

He said that despite efforts, particularly in the area of science and technology, overpopulation, illiteracy, and poverty had impeded the progress of the nation.

The governments were doing their best to provide basic amenities to the people. But social evils such as child labour and dowry harassment were a blot on the nation's reputation, he added.

Mr. Valagad said the State Government had come up with a series of development programmes such as Stree Shakti, Akshara Dasoha, and others to enhance the quality of the life of people.

Everyone should cooperate to ensure the success of such programmes.

He called upon students who had gathered in large numbers at the

Fort to involve themselves in nation-building activities in keeping with the tremendous achievements made by the country in the areas of space technology and information technology.

Sainik school

Mr. Valagad said the decision of the State Government to set up a Sainik school in Kodagu and the stress on developing tourism in the district would help people in the long run.

Braving heavy rain in the morning, contingents comprising Scouts and Guides, the Bharat Seva Dal, the district police, the District Armed Reserve, the National Cadet Corps took part in a march past. Cultural programmes including patriotic songs and a skit on child labour stole the show.

Felicitation

Three Scouts and three Guides from St. Anne's School, Virajpet, and three Guides from St. Joseph's School, Somwarpet, who secured the Rashtrapati Award were felicitated on the occasion.

Nine Scouts, 14 Guides, and six Bulbuls from St. Anne's School, five Scouts and six Guides from St. Michael's School, Madikeri, eight Guides from St. Joseph's School, one Guide from Coorg Public School, Gonicoppa, one Scout from Blossom School, Madikeri, and three Guides from Lions School, Gonicoppa, who secured the State award, were also felicitated along with those who secured distinction in the SSLC examination.

K.G. Bopaiah, Madikeri MLA; K.A. Somanna, winner of the Rajyotsava Award, Chitra Ramesh, President of the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat; Papu Sannayya, Vice-President; Davajyoti Ray, Superintendent of Police; and the Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat, P.L. Budihal; were present.

Other celebrations

The Tricolour was unfurled by journalists at the Kodagu Patrika Bhavan. Members of the Kodagu District Congress Committee and the Autorickshaw Drivers' and Owners' Association also observed Independence Day in different parts of the district.

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Students told to take up nation-building activities