Tipu Jayanti: Never try to Change History – Ramanath Rai
Mangaluru: Amidst opposition from the BJP and others, under tight security, the Tipu Jayanti was celebrated at the Netravati Hall, Zilla Panchayat premises here on November 10.
After strong opposition from the BJP to drop the Tipu Jayanti celebrations, the state government stood firm in its decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti. For the safety of the people of the district, the district administration has taken all the necessary measures during the celebrations.
The police department has also assured the people of providing safety and security. Accordingly, CCTV cameras have been installed at various places and drones have also been deployed to monitor the situation for the smooth functioning of the programme.
The programme began with the state anthem. ADC Kumar welcomed the gathering. The programme was inaugurated by the district minister in-charge Ramanath Rai by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.
Addressing the gathering Ramanath Rai said, “Today we are celebrating Tipu Jayanti but some people are creating problems against the celebrations. When a person does good work we need to appreciate it. Tipu fought against the British. I am not a historian but historians never write wrong. Rumour mongers are the nation’s enemies. Many people have sacrificed their lives for the country. There are people who even critisize Mahatma Gandhi. We need to respect the great people who fought against the British and we know that Tipu has fought against the British. Tipu was known as Tiger of Mysuru. Earlier the opposition was praising Tipu’s work, but now the same people are criticizing Tipu and staging protests. Let us not try to change the history, whatever good work our elders have practiced, let us continue.
MLA Moideen Bava speaking on the occasion said, “Tipu fought against the British and it is our duty to remember him on this day. When we were young, we used to study about Tipu in the school but now some people are giving communal colour to Tipu Jayanti celebrations. Tipu Sultan protected the Sringeri Temple when it was attacked. Tipu respected all religions equally. We are celebrating Tipu Jayanti across the state, we should not give any political colour to such celebrations, instead, we need to respect Tipu for his good work”.
Addressing the gathering Prof B Shivaram Shetty briefed on the history of Tipu Sultan. Prof Shivaram said, “When I received a call from the district administration to speak about Tipu Sultan I accepted it. I do not belong to any political party but being a professor I am here. This is an opportunity for me to know more about the Tipu Sultan. Ten days ago, we celebrated Rajyotsava in a grand manner but when I came here to attend the Tipu Jayanti, I felt sad and the thought of why did I agree to attend the programme came to my mind. Why are we living in fear today? Why do we need such tight security to celebrate Tipu Jayanti? Why do we oppose any celebrations? We need to think that we are human beings. When we were born on this earth, we did not apply to be in a particular religion. Our life is a gift from God and we need to live in peace and harmony. Let us all join hands to work for the development of the country”.
Chief Whip of Karnataka Legislative Assembly Ivan D’Souza in his presidential address said, “We should remember the sacrifice of the people who have dedicated their lives to the country. Tipu fought against the British but some anti-social elements are trying to create violence in the society by projecting Tipu in a different way. History cannot be changed by anyone. When we were young we were studying about Tipu Sultan in school and there was no opposition from anyone. We are celebrating Tipu Jayanti as a mark of respect to Tipu”.
MLA Shakuntala Shetty, DC Dr Jagadeesha, Police commissioner Chandra Sekhar, Mayor Harinath, Mohammed Monu, Janaki M Brahmavar and others were also present.