Mangaluru: District-in-charge minister U T Khader hoisted the national flag here on the 72nd Independence Day celebrations flavoured with all gaiety and patriotic fervour on Wednesday, August 15th.

In his Independence Day message after receiving guard of honour Mr. Khader said, “August 15 is the important day for every Indian. In 1947, we got freedom from the British rule and since then we have been celebrating it as holy day. After independence, India has developed in various fields and is already considered as one of the powerful country in the world. Entire world is watching at India for its human resources and youth power.

This Independence Day gives a message of unity and national integrity. Our freedom fighters fought against the British and they succeeded to throw out the outsiders from our country. We should consider them as role models and live with unity. The communal and regional separation is always dangerous to our country. We should not encourage it,” he observed.

“In Karnataka, government is actively working to provide equal share of development to every district through its various projects. In the case of Dakshina Kannada, state government has already declared Moodbidri and Kadaba as independent taluks for easy administration. In rural areas, government has received total 98,593 applications for RTC. Already 83,007 applications are accepted and arrangements have been made to give RTC to eligible applicants,” he informed.

“This year district received good amount of rains. As many as 10 persons have lost their lives due to monsoon. On this day we are remembering them and offer condolences to their families. District administration has already started distributing compensation to the affected families,” he added.

“Dakshina Kannada is known for education. This year we secured 92% result in PUC, a 3 per cent increase compared to last year. We have plans to set up a National Academy of Indian Coastal Guard in district. At the same time we have plans to develop Mangaluru Airport,” he said.

On the occasion, Mr. Khader launched district level ‘Green Karnataka’ programme by planting a sapling. Altogether 19 platoons and two police band troops took part in the parade. Vital Shindhe, CAR, Dakshina Kannada Armed Police led the parade as parade commander.

NCC Air wing senior troop bagged first prize in parade while NCC Navel wing senior troop secured second place. Students of Canara High School, Dongarakeri sung national anthem and patriotic songs. Many guests were present including Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, police commissioner T R Suresh, MLC Ivan D’Souza and Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza among others.