Alva’s Celebrates Independence Day with great fervour
Moodibidri: Vanajakshi K Sripathi Bhat Bayalu Vedike withstood 40,000 hearts that thumped with pride this Independence Day. The 40,000 people, including the students, management, faculty, parents and locals of Moodibidri gathered to observe the 71st Independence Day celebrations hosted by Alva’s Education Foundation on August 15.
The execution of the event stood true to the famed ways of all Alva’s celebrations, with an ambience that spoke of Indian glory with every step an individual took. The entrance at Vidyagiri was lined with decorative portraits of freedom fighters who led the independence struggle. 6 acres of the ground stood completely covered in tricolour, formed by human chains placed to position in perfection. The corners were studded with cultural aspects such as the Honnavar band and Dollu Kunitha which added to the ceremoniousness of the event. Tricolors designed in cylindrical forms that stood 20 feet high and 6 feet wide marked the entire circumference of the ground, within which the crowd of 40,000 saluted the Indian national flag. NCC cadets from the Army, Navy and Airforce, Scouts and Guides, and other students from various realms lined the human chains.
Adding to the intensity of patriotism already felt by the people in the vicinity, hundreds of tricolour helium balloons were released into the sky as people forming the human tricolour on the ground waved smaller flags; to a song declaring our unity. The sight of the flags waving underneath and flying overhead visibly brought a sense of unmatched pride in the eyes of onlookers. Mallakambh artistes of the college, who performed on stage contributed to the clear message conveyed at the ceremony, that we stand united, strong and unbreakable.
The guests were escorted to the venue in a grand procession, immediately after which the events unfolded. Vande Mataram was sung by the college music team to indicate a start, after which the tricolour was hoisted by the chief guest of the day, Chairman of NITTE Group of Institutions, Dr N Vinay Hegde. The flag hoisting was accompanied by the national anthem and a wholesome salute to the flag, offered by the complete gathering.
The chief guest of the programme NITTE University Chancellor, Dr Vinay Hegde unfurling the national flag said, ‘’Satyameva Jayathe’’ national motto of India says anything you do, do it with truth. So, every person in this country has the right to establish the ultimate triumph only through truth. Our first prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru on the midnight of August 15, 1947, said when the world sleeps India awakes and begins with trust with destiny. This, trust with destiny is to build a new India, which is Independent, firm and looks after the interest of everyone. Taking a dig on the present political system, he said ‘’where the legislature, judiciary, executive and press is considered as the guardian of democracy, unfortunately, these four pillars are directly controlled by the political leaders, which is really a dangerous trend. Over the years many good things have happened in India, but the distribution of wealth has not been taken place the way it should have been, he lamented. In this juncture, the young generation has a great responsibility and he called upon the students “what you gain in the society, you have to give it back whichever the way possible’’. Alva’s Education Foundation is the topmost educational institution in the country rendering quality education in all possible ways, he added and said, “What good things you learn on this campus, share with others and you need not be an academically excellent person, but self-belief and consistent hard work earns success. All of you achieve greatness not for yourselves, which you will share with all the citizens of the country”, he said.
The speech was followed by the track ‘Bharatvarsh Hamara’ that aptly glorified the united spirit of Indians, to which hundreds of flags were fluttered by the gathered public and helium tricolours released into the clear sky, creating an aesthetically appealing sight. Three incredible achievers from Alva’s were honoured on the occasion. Nandini K R who topped the UPSC exams was honoured with a shawl, garland, memento and Rupees 1 Lakh. Tavishi Dechamma, State topper of CA/CPT who also stood second in the country was felicitated with a shawl, garland, memento and Rupees 50,000. Spandana, who stood second in the state at the second PUC Commerce state board exams was honoured with a shawl, garland, memento and Rupees 50 thousand.
After receiving the felicitation UPSC topper 2017 Nandini K R said, “We got freedom after a lot of struggle and hard work. It is time for us to rise above all the things and achieve the best and give back to the society in whichever field we select as profession or life for ourselves’’. She urged the students to give their cent percent effort in whichever field they select. Quoting Rabindranath Tagore’s patriotic song she emphasized the importance of the religion called humanity’’.
Alva’s Education Foundation Trustee Amarnath Shetty and his spouse, Vivek Alva, Vinay Alva, Entrepreneur K Sripathy Bhat and others were present on the occasion.
By Prasad Shetty