Udupi: A ‘Tiranga Yatra – Patriotic Walk for the Nation’ was held in Manipal on Wednesday under the leadership of Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna as part of the celebrations marking India’s 80th Independence Day.
Students, members of various organisations and members of the public participated in the patriotic march, which was organised with the objective of promoting national pride and strengthening the spirit of unity among citizens.
Yatra inaugurated with balloon release
The programme began with dignitaries releasing balloons into the sky, formally inaugurating the Tiranga Yatra.
Prominent personalities from the social, educational and cooperative sectors flagged off the march. Students and members of various organisations participated enthusiastically, carrying the national flag as they joined the procession.
The event brought together participants from different sections of society and provided students an opportunity to take part in Independence Day celebrations through a public patriotic programme.
Yashpal Suvarna highlights patriotism
Speaking at the programme, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna said Tiranga Yatras were being organised across the country as part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
He said the Udupi programme was organised in association with various educational institutions and organisations.
Suvarna also referred to the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and described the song as a symbol of national unity.
He said the programme was intended to instil patriotism and a sense of national pride among students.
According to Suvarna, involving young people in such programmes would help familiarise them with the values associated with the country’s Independence Day and encourage a stronger sense of responsibility towards the nation.
‘Nation First’ message emphasised
Dr Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of KMC, also addressed the gathering.
He referred to the 80th Independence Day celebrations, the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ and the fifth year of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.
He urged citizens to reaffirm their commitment to the country and work towards strengthening its unity and integrity.
Emphasising the theme ‘Nation First’, Dr Shetty said people should come together for the progress and development of the country.
His message focused on collective responsibility and the need for citizens to contribute towards national development while upholding unity.
March passes through Manipal
The Tiranga Yatra commenced from the Canara Bank Regional Office in Manipal.
From there, the participants proceeded through Tiger Circle and Syndicate Circle before the march concluded near the Deputy Commissioner’s Office.
The route brought the procession through some of the prominent areas of Manipal, with students and members of the public taking part in the march.
The sight of participants carrying the national flag added a patriotic atmosphere to the programme.
Leaders and dignitaries participate
Several prominent personalities from Udupi district attended the event.
Dr G S Chandrashekar, Medical Director of Adarsha Hospital, Udupi; Jayakar Shetty Indrali, president of Badagabettu Credit Cooperative Society; Ajay Shetty of Ujwal Developers; Kutiyaru Naveen Shetty, president of Udupi District BJP; and Prabhakar Poojary, former president of Udupi City Municipal Council, were among those present.
Representatives from educational, social and cooperative organisations also participated in the programme.
The participation of students was one of the key features of the yatra, with organisers highlighting the importance of involving younger generations in patriotic activities.
Focus on national unity
The Tiranga Yatra was organised around the themes of patriotism, national unity and civic responsibility.
The references to ‘Vande Mataram’ and the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign added significance to the event, while the participation of students and members of different organisations reflected the organisers’ effort to bring together people from various sections of society.
As India prepares to mark its 80th Independence Day, programmes such as the Manipal yatra provide a public platform for citizens to express national pride and remember the country’s journey since Independence.
The event concluded near the DC Office after participants completed the march from the Canara Bank Regional Office through Tiger Circle and Syndicate Circle.