Udupi : District in-charge Minister and State Minister for Urban Development Vinay Kumar Sorake hoisted national flag on the occasion of the 66th Republic Day calibrations held at MGM College grounds here on January 26,

As many as 100 students of Mukunda Kripa School began the cultural programme with the “Raitha Geeta,” which they enacted beautifully depicting the contribution of farmers.

This was followed by “Swagata Bayasuvevu” by 150 students of SVS English Medium School, while 100 students of T.A. Pai English Medium School performed for the song “Bharatambeya Ninna.”

They gave messages of unity in diversity, Swachch Bharat, empowerment of women, and against corruption, terrorism, environmental pollution and against discrimination on the grounds of religion and caste in their performance.

The students of Madhav Kripa English Medium School performed “Desh Rangila,” while the students of Indrali English Medium School gave a performance to the instrumental tunes of “Sare Jahan Se Acha Hindustan Hamara.”

The cultural programmes came to an end with a performance “Hadona Kuniyona” by 100 students of St. Cecily’s High School.

Earlier, as many as five government officials were given the Best Service awards. They are: Rajendra Bekal, Women and Child Welfare officer, Gayatri Nayak, Kundapur tahsildar, Radhakrishna Adiga, Assistant Director in Planning Department, Fahmida Begum, Inspector at Deputy Commissioner’s office, and Ramananda Puranik, Panchayat Development Officer at Yembattu Badagabettu village.

There was an impressive marchpast by students of various schools and colleges after the unfurling of the national flag. The teams which won prizes for their past are:

College Section: Dr. G. Shankar Women’s First Grade College (first place), MGM College NCC Navy wing (second place), and MGM College NCC Army wing.

High School Section: St. Cecily’s English Medium High School guides team (first); U. Kamalabai High School NCC boys team (second).

Primary Section: Kalathur Government Higher Primary School girls’ sevadal (first), St. Cecily’s English Medium School guides team (second).