Mangaluru: “When our fellow citizens are deprived of basic amenities, how can we celebrate Independence Day with pomp? It is our duty to share and care for our fellow citizens to enjoy the freedom to the fullest,” said NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Joseph Mathias during a programme marking India’s 73rd Independence Day.
The event was organised by the Ashoknagar Yuvaka Sangha at Ashoknagar Higher Primary School, Mangaluru on Thursday, August 15.
Further highlighting the true meaning of independence, Mathias said, ” Though our country celebrates 73rd Independence Day, a large section of people are still not liberated from problems like poverty, unemployment and ill-health. The celebration of independence becomes meaningful when you share with your brethren.”
Pingara Kannada Weekly editor Raymond D’Cunha inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. Hindu Dharmika Seva Sangha President Rajagopal Shetty and Kittall.com editor H M Pernal were the guests of honour.
Welcoming the gathering, Raymond D’Cunha said, “Though we are celebrating the 73rd Independence Day today, we have not obtained complete freedom as the country is still suffering from economic imparity. Our constitution has given equal rights to all citizens irrespective of caste and creed. As a country, we can experience freedom in its true spirit only when we stay united.”
Established nearly 22 years ago, the Ashoknagar Yuvaka Sangha is an organisation which takes up humanitarian causes such as distributing uniforms to schoolchildren, clothes to senior citizens, and wheelchairs to the disabled. Mathias, who joined the Sangha ten years ago, carries out the organisation’s mission in memory of his late father Lawrence Mathais.
This year, instead of a wheelchair, Mathais and his wife handed over a sewing machine and a cycle to two women so that they may try to earn a living. In addition, financial aid to cover medical expenses was also dispensed to a differently-abled child.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Shanker N Poonja expressed his gratitude to the donors and beneficiaries.
Earlier, the event commenced with a hymn sung by the students of Ashoknagar Higher Primary School.
The programme was compered by Chetan Kumar.
Sangha President B Nagesh Karkera, Treasurer R Praveen Kumar, Vice Presidents Jagannath and Jayaram, schoolchildren, parents and teachers were present.
