Udupi: Vinay Kumar Sorake, District In charge Minister and Minister of Urban Development, Government of Karnataka flagged off the 66th Republic Day Celebrations by hoisting the Tricolor Flag of the Nation and inspecting a guard of honour at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College grounds here on Monday, 26th January, 2015.

After unfurling the national flag, national anthem and state nada geethe were sung by Ganesh Gangulli.  Vinay Kumar sorake inspected the guard of honour from an open jeep of the Police.  He received salute from police, home guards, NCC, Scouts and Guides.

During his address, Vinay Kumar Sorake said that on 26th January, 1930, for independence movement, the Indian National Congress declared the intention of “Complete Swarajya” of India.  Due to the effort of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, we have a very strong Constitution of India.  Vinay Kumar Sorake during his address pointed out some of the achievements of Siddaramayya Government in the state.  The Survey Department has 40 vacant surveyors’ post to be filled up.  Kundapura mini Vidhana Souda is going to be inaugurate in due course of time for Udupi Taluk.  Karkala Bahubali Mahamastabhisheka is going on and government has sanctioned 15 crores for the development of roads and other infrastructure puposes. Meanwhile all possible co-operation will be provided for the Karkala Attur Church annual celebrations.  Rs. 602.55 lakh was provided to the Koraga Community for their accommodation and other welfare of their community.  20% agricultural production will be increased in  5 years' time. Rs. 52.363 lakhs were provided for the Minority Welfare Programs.  Rs. 250.69 lakhs for 1,326 people released for Minority Muslim Community for construction of houses.

Rajendra Bekal, Women and Child Development Officer, Smt. Gayathri Nayak Kundapur Taluk Tahasildar, Radhakrisha Adiga Joint Director and Project Director of Zilla Panchayat, Udupi, Smt. Shahida Begum Inspector Deputy Commissioner’s Office Udupi and Ramanand Puranik Panchayat Development Officer of 80 Badagubettu Grama Panchayat were honored for their Sarvothama Seva Award selection.

Meanwhile Dasharath, Aaron, Anubhav, Manoj, Glenn of Mount Rosary English Medium School, Santhekatte, Kallianpur; Vithesh of V. V. English Medium School Barkur, Kirthiraj of Govt. PU College, Malpe, Ramdas Naik of Poornaprajna PU College, Neha Harish of St. Mary’s Eng. Med. School Kannarpady Udupi, Glanish Ashley Pinto of MGM College and Dikshith Shetty of S.N.V High School, Karkala were honored for their sports achievements.

Various cultural programs from noted schools of the district with the nationalistic fervor marked the 66th Republic Day celebrations in Udupi.

During the occasion Dr. R. Vishal Kumar, DC, Additional DC, Dr. M. Annamalaih Superintendent of Police, M. Kanagavalli CEO of Zilla Panchayat, Savitha S. Kotian President of Zilla Panchayat, Sunitha Naik President of Taluk Panchayat, Yuvaraj President of Udupi town Muncipality and others were present.