Puttur: India’s 72nd 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, ‘Today, India is standing high in the world with marvellous achievements. It is our duty to acknowledge the contributions made by all freedom fighters for the sake of this mother land.’

The Assistant Professor of PG Department of Commerce of the College Rev. Fr Sunil George D’Souza in his message said, ‘Freedom is not a value. But it is a ground of all values because it allows a person to create intrinsic values such as duty, truth and goodness. Everyone has a duty to be a responsible citizen. But unfortunately not everyone takes this responsibility seriously. Be a responsible citizen and use your freedom. We should always be ready to save our motherland from the antagonist. It is the responsibility to lead our country ahead and make it the best country of the world.’

The Campus Director Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro in his message said, ‘We should follow the discipline of our soldiers every day and make India proud.’

The Principal of St Philomena Pre-University College Rev. Fr Vijay Lobo graced the occasion.

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 Jovin Joseph, Convenors of Rovers-Rangers Units Ms. Meenakshi K, Mr. Kahalandar Shareef and Harshad Ismail, Convenors of NSS Units Mr Madhusudan N and Ms Shashiprabha B, 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. Lavina Nancy Pinto compered the programme