Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada District In-charge Minister U.T. Khader on Saturday called upon the younger generation to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of freedom fighters and contribute towards building a stronger, more prosperous and united India.

Speaking after hoisting the national flag at the Independence Day celebrations at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru, Khader said the country’s freedom was achieved through the immense sacrifices of earlier generations, who endured hardships and gave their lives for the nation. He urged the present generation to carry forward that legacy by creating a new chapter in India’s history and helping the country achieve greater heights on the global stage.

Independence Day a reminder of national duty

Khader said Independence Day should not be viewed merely as an occasion for celebration, but also as a time to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s freedom and to reaffirm the collective responsibility of protecting the values of independence.

He urged citizens, particularly young people, to learn from the lives and contributions of freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose.

According to the minister, the achievements of the freedom movement were built on courage, sacrifice and a strong sense of national purpose. The younger generation, he said, must demonstrate a similar commitment by contributing to the country’s social and economic progress.

Khader also highlighted India’s unique diversity, noting that the country is home to people belonging to different linguistic, cultural and religious backgrounds. Despite these differences, the shared identity of being Indian has remained a powerful force in keeping the nation united.

He appealed to people to protect communal harmony, peace and national unity and work together for the welfare of society.

Welfare schemes benefiting people in Dakshina Kannada

Khader highlighted several welfare initiatives implemented by the state government in Dakshina Kannada and outlined the financial assistance provided to beneficiaries under various schemes.

Under the Gruhalakshmi scheme, ₹2,001 crore has been disbursed to 3.82 lakh women beneficiaries in the district, he said. The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible women and is among the major welfare programmes of the state government.

The minister said the Yuvanidhi scheme had provided ₹21 crore to 7,542 unemployed youth in Dakshina Kannada. The programme is aimed at providing financial support to eligible unemployed graduates and diploma holders while they seek employment opportunities.

He further said that 5.52 lakh beneficiaries in the district had availed themselves of the benefits of the Gruhajyoti scheme, which provides free electricity up to the prescribed monthly consumption limit for eligible domestic consumers.

Khader also referred to the Shakti scheme, under which women across Karnataka have benefited from free travel on state-run buses. He said the scheme had benefited 14 crore women across the state.

Focus on healthcare and infrastructure

Khader said the state government had also given priority to healthcare, electricity, drinking water supply and infrastructure development in Dakshina Kannada.

He pointed to ongoing underground power cable projects in Mangaluru and Ullal as part of efforts to strengthen electricity infrastructure and improve the reliability and safety of power distribution.

Infrastructure development, he said, would remain an important component of the government’s efforts to improve living conditions and support economic activity in the district.

Zero tolerance towards drugs and anti-social activities

Khader also spoke about law and order in Dakshina Kannada, asserting that the government had adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards drug networks and anti-social activities.

He said maintaining peace and public safety remained a key priority and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to prevent the spread of narcotic substances and other criminal activities.

Khader said the administration would continue to take measures to safeguard the district and maintain law and order.

Leaders and officials attend celebrations

The Independence Day programme was attended by Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath, Legislative Council members Ivan D’Souza and S.L. Bhojegowda, Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V., and several other public representatives.

Heads of various boards and corporations, senior government officials and other dignitaries were also present at the celebrations.

The event marked the 80th Independence Day celebrations across the country and provided an opportunity for people to remember the contribution of freedom fighters while reflecting on India’s journey since independence.

Khader’s appeal placed particular emphasis on the role of the younger generation in shaping the country’s future. From protecting communal harmony and democratic values to contributing to economic development and social welfare, he urged citizens to view nation-building as a continuing responsibility.

As India moves forward, the minister said the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle should remain a source of inspiration. The message from the Independence Day celebrations was that preserving the country’s unity and strengthening its progress require active participation from every generation.