Udupi: The 64th Karnataka Rajyothsava celebrations were held with pomp and grandeur at the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium, Ajjarkad on Friday, November 1.
A colourful procession preceded the celebrations from Board High School till the stadium and was flagged off by Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai. The procession comprised of tableaux highlighting Karnataka’s rich tradition and culture apart from spreading social messages.
Basavaraj Bommai, who is also the district in-charge minister, hoisted the flag and received the guard of honour, which was followed by a parade.
Addressing the gathering, Bommai called upon the people to love and respect Kannada culture and tradition. “Freedom fighters like Kittur Channamma, Kranthiveer Sangolli Rayanna, Onaka Obavva and others contributed to the state to a large extent and we need to remember them and others who served the state,” he said.
Speaking about the recent floods in the state, Bommai said, “We have experienced one of the worst floods in the state, especially in the northern and coastal districts. Under Chief Minister Yediyurappa’s leadership, we have been able to compensate the farmers and others who lost their homes and whose houses, farmland etc. were damaged. The state government will provide Rs 5 lakh for them. The CM will also announce compensation for the fishermen.”
He then appreciated the entrepreneurs of the district for their hard work.
“The state government has set up a task force for tourism development, especially in the coastal districts. There is a need for the private and public sector to join hands and develop tourism,” he said.
As many as 30 achievers and two organizations were conferred the Kannada Rajyotsava award on the occasion. Various cultural programmes were conducted by the different schools.
Udupi MLA K Raghupathi Bhat, Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar, Zilla Panchayat president Dinakar Babu, Udupi Taluk Panchayat president Nithagururaj, Deputy Commissioner G Jagadeesha, Superintendent of Police Nisha James, ZP CEO Preethi Gehlot and others were present.