Puttur: India’s 73rd Independence Day was celebrated at St Philomena College Puttur with gaiety and patriotic fervour.

The Principal Prof. Leo Norohna hoisted the national flag and said, ‘We are living in a sound, strong, sovereign and independent nation. We have only one constitution applicable to all the citizens of the nation. We are very proud to be the citizens of this great nation.’

The Coordinator of IQAC Dr A P Radhakrishna participated as the chief guest of this celebration. He said, ‘Freedom is the most precious thing in the life of everyone. No doubt, it was not easy to get freedom from the British rule in the year 1947. Our political leaders, freedom fighters and people together participated in the freedom struggle and were determined to gain independence. After obtaining our political independence, tremendous progress has been achieved in the field of science, information technology, education, sports and games. India is a country of various cultures, races, languages and religions. It is a land of unity in diversity where people of different lifestyles and manners live together in harmonious way.’

The Campus Director Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro in his message said, ‘In the year 1947, our nation became politically independent. It was the result of great efforts of our freedom fighters. It is inevitable to have patriotism and selfless attitude in all our approaches.’
The Principal of St Philomena Pre-University College Rev. Fr Vijay Lobo said, ‘We remember the great freedom fighters who fought for attaining independence of the nation. Freedom without responsibility is meaningless and responsibility without freedom is of no use. We need freedom with responsibility.’

The NCC Cadets, Rovers-Rangers of PU and Degree College, NSS volunteers have participated in March-past and the Parade. The members of Performing Arts Association of the college and members of Fine Arts Association of PU College presented patriotic songs and dances.

NCC Officer Lt Johnson David Sequeira, Parade Commander SCUO Chethan P, Pilots Sgt Sinchana Rai B S and Sgt Sinchana B S, NSS Officers Mr Dinakara Anchan and Ms Shashiprabha B, Convenors of Rovers-Rangers Units Mr Dhanya P T and Harshad Ismail, Convenor of Performing Arts Association Mr. Prashanth Rai, Convenor of Fine Arts Association of PU College Dr Asha Savithri coordinated the programme. Assistant Professor of Social Work Ms Nancy Lavina Pinto compered the programme.