Mangaluru: The 68th Republic Day was celebrated with all its solemnity and grandeur at Vikas PU College today. On this occasion, the chief guest, chief traffic warden Joe Gonsalves (96), was felicitated for rendering his selfless service for the sake of traffic regulation in Mangaluru city. He addressed the students by creating awareness on traffic rules.

“All citizens should have control over the speed of their vehicle. The thorough knowledge of traffic rules/regulations, traffic signs and markings, are essential for the drivers and road users. Being in service each and every one can render your service to the nation can voluntarily help the traffic police,” he said.

Guest of honour, Roshan Patrao, traffic warden addressed the students and said “In India, the vehicles are in increasing numbers and roads are in a chaotic condition. Abroad, one finds more vehicles, but the traffic is under control. We should have disciplined traffic rules which will have a control on the traffic. A proper knowledge of these rules can reduce the number of accident, road blocks and can establish a healthy and organised traffic system in our country thus.”

The chairman of Vikas Education Trust, Krishna J Palemar addressed the students,“Everyone should understand their roles and responsibilities and act accordingly. All should render service to the country. It is our duty to honour true patriots like Joe Gonsalves who has rendered service to the nation by controlling the traffic and creating awareness among the younger generation," he stated, pointing out that the students should feel proud to be citizens India, the world's largest Democracy.

'Life-saving program' was explained with a PPT presentation by traffic warden Bhujanga Shetty. Director of Vikas Edu Solutions Dr Ananth Prabhu added, “In many schools, moral science classes are compulsory. But PU Colleges do not have these classes in their syllabus. It is quintessential for students in their adolescence to be made aware of ethics, morals and rules that they need to abide because at this age; there is a higher tendency to go on the wrong path. At Vikas, we regularly conduct 'Ethical Considerations' classes for the first year and second year PU students. In part 2 of the book, there is an exclusive chapter about 'Civic sense and traffic rules'. Also, part 1 of this book has a chapter on 'Patriotism'. Since the traffic rules are regularly updated, even after getting the license, it is the responsibility of the license holder to update oneself about the traffic rules regularly”.

Trustee J Koragappa, Principal T Rajaram Rao and traffic warden Mohammad were present on the dais. The students spoke about the significance of the Republic Day. Deepika Shetty was the master of ceremony.