Mangaluru: The 71st Independence Day was celebrated by Youth Social Service Charitable Trust along with St. Francis Xavier church here at the church premises in Bejai here on August 15.
Ganesh Bangera of GB Group-Builders & Property Developers, Mangalore and Abu Dhabi based Chartered Accountant Valerian Dalmaida were the chief guests.
Mr Dalmaida, addressing the students and gathering, said, “We have celebrated 71st Independence Day today. But do we really enjoy maximum freedom in our country? I would like to share some of my experiences before you here in Mangaluru. For the last four months, though we have submitted all the necessary documents, one of our company’s licence is not getting renewed. Every time the MCC officials send us back asking for one or the other document. Is this freedom? Works are not happening at registrar’s office. Though we pay road tax for lifetime there are no better infrastructure facilities. There are no signal lights. Lanes are in unscientific condition and there are no footpaths for the pedestrians. Zebra lanes are also not proper and pedestrians do not walk on zebra crossing. There are no over-bridges for the pedestrians.”
“Every issue is politicised. Representives are not bothered about the public. This is not their mistake. We elect them hoping that they would work for our betterment. We do not take bills from doctors, lawyers and chartered accountants. This encourages corruption. Usually those working in private companies and receiving monthly salary pay income tax. If businessmen, merchants, corporates pay their taxes on time, the country would not have suffered. While paying GST, we give cash and ignore bill. Those who spend 10 to 15 years in politics, earn huge assets and money. When I look at all these issues, I feel sad and wonder, ‘Do we really have independence?,” he asked.
Mr Dalmaida then called upon the gathering to take a pledge against corruption, to protect the environment and keep the surroundings clean. “Let us not waste time and make a difference by serving our society,” he said.
Valerian Dalmaida, United Friends Club Secretary Manoj Mascarenhas, Bejai Church priest Fr. Roshan Lobo, Parish Priest Fr. Wilson D’Souza and Church Parish Council Secretary Cony Saldanha hoisted the Tricolour.
