Bengaluru, Aug 15 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday extended Independence Day greetings to the people of the state and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring peace, harmony and inclusive development across Karnataka.
Speaking to reporters after hoisting the national flag at his Sadashivanagar residence in Bengaluru as part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, the Chief Minister said it was a privilege to unfurl the Tricolour as the head of the state government and a servant of the people.
“I have been given the opportunity to hoist the national flag as the Chief Minister and a servant of the people. I will take all sections of society together and strive to ensure peace, harmony and communal amity in the state in the coming days,” he said.
Conveying his greetings to the people of Karnataka and the country, Shivakumar paid tribute to the leaders and freedom fighters whose sacrifices helped secure the nation’s unity, integrity and democratic values. He urged citizens from all sections of society to participate in and celebrate Independence Day.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara visited Sri Siddaganga Math in Tumakuru, sought the blessings of Sri Siddalinga Swamiji and hoisted the national flag on the Math premises.
In Mandya, Water Resources Minister and district in-charge N. Cheluvarayaswamy called upon citizens to contribute to nation-building by upholding harmony, brotherhood, equality and social justice while remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Addressing the 80th Independence Day celebrations after hoisting the national flag, the Minister said India achieved freedom through the sacrifices of countless patriots, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad.
He also highlighted the contributions of Karnataka freedom fighters such as Kittur Rani Chennamma, Sangolli Rayanna, Gangadhar Rao Deshpande, R.R. Diwakar, N.S. Hardikar, Aluru Venkata Rao and S. Nijalingappa.
Cheluvarayaswamy said it was the responsibility of citizens to preserve the legacy of the freedom movement and ensure that future generations remain aware of the sacrifices made by national and regional heroes.
He also underscored Mandya district’s contribution to the independence struggle and described the Shivapura Flag Satyagraha as an unforgettable chapter in India’s freedom movement.
Highlighting the state government’s welfare initiatives, the Minister said the Congress government had prioritised inclusive development, economic empowerment, social justice and equality through various programmes, including the five guarantee schemes.
He cited the implementation of Shakti, Anna Bhagya, Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi and Yuvanidhi schemes in Mandya district as examples of the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people.
–IANS
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