Madikeri: State home minister and district’s minister-in-charge K J George presided over the Republic Day celebrations held in Gen Thimayya stadium here on Monday.
Conveying his greetings to the people of the district, George said that every effort was being made to take the district on the path of further progress and development, while making a fervent appeal to everyone to join hands.
At the same time, it was a time to recall the contribution of the founding figures of India, like Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who laid a firm foundation for the future of the nation by way of the Five-year Plans, Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Steel Man of India who amalgamated the territories into a strong republic and many others, whose list was endless.
The birth anniversary of two all-time greats of Kodagu, Field Marshal K M Cariappa and Gen K S Thimayya being observed, their contribution also deserved a special place in the people’s hearts, which should inspire them to perpetuate the brave and fearless traditions.
He further said that several problems had cropped as the country grew over the past 65 years. As one nation, the Indians had stood together and protected the republic. ‘Common weal precedes personal interests’ had been the forefathers’ principle which had to be followed in spirit.
A Constitution on a solid foundation was a necessity. It was indeed an uphill challenge to prepare a Constitution which would encompass a large number of languages, a variety of geographical features and a spectrum of cultures.
But Babasaheb Ambedkar took the challenged and effectively led the team to lay down a comprehensive Constitution. Those great persons gave the people a long-lasting body-politic, which truly reflected unity and diversity.
George also said that the Constitution of the country was the one which ensured equal place and opportunities to everyone in the social, economic, educational and judicial sectors.
George also outlined the projects lined up for the development of the district, like the multi-village drinking water project, development of Raja’s Seat park and improvement of infrastructure at various government-run institutions. He also revealed that a suitable land had been identified for a new complex for the zilla panchayat to be built at a cost of Rs 20 crore.
The minister inspected the parade, School-children presented march-past and drill exercise.