MADIKERI: Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav on Thursday called upon people to accept challenges and overcome them to build a strong and vibrant India.

He was delivering the Republic Day message at Man's Compound, District Stadium, here after unfurling the Tricolour.

It is up to the people to join hands with the Government to ensure that the fruits of government programmes reach the beneficiaries, Mr. Yadav said.

Longest documents

India celebrated its victory over foreign rule and the Indian Constitution is one of the longest documents in the world formulated to guarantee the all-round development of the nation. It is imperative that every person is literate and enjoys good health to contribute to the progress of the nation, he said.

Emphasising on community service, Mr. Yadav exhorted the youth to involve themselves in service to society.

Spirit of sacrifice

They should imbibe the spirit of sacrifice of those who fought for freeing India from foreign rule. Respecting the principles of democracy is the highest honour that one can do for the country, he added.

Mr. Yadav inspected the guard of honour and received the salute from the marching contingents of police, DAR, NCC and the Bharat Scouts and Guides among others.

Volunteers from different universities across the country, who are participating in the National Integration Camp here, took out a march past.

Colourful tableaux were taken out by various government departments to commemorate the occasion.

Five persons, including two students, were felicitated by Mr. Yadav.

Seeta Chittiappa and D.D. Prasad, a student of tenth standard, were present.

Prizes were distributed to winners of various sports and games competitions.

The former Minister M.M. Nanaiah, president of Madikeri Taluk Panchayat Kishore Kumar, Superintendent of Police Devajyoti Ray and Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Panchayat K. Sundar Naik, were present.

Black Day

The Codava National Council (CNC) observed "Black Day" on the occasion. Led by its secretary general N.U. Nachappa, members staged a dharna and protested against the "injustice" meted out to Kodavas.

The CNC demanded a special constitutional guarantee for the culture, heritage and language of the Kodavas. They said a Codava Autonomous Regions (CAR), a homeland for Kodavas in Kodagu, be carved, that they be accorded primitive tribal status and reservation among other demands.

Various associations hoisted the National Flag to observe Republic Day.

They included the Kodagu District Patrika Bhavana Trust and the Kodagu District Roller Skating Association, Madikeri.

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