Minister in-charge of Dharwad district Vinay Kulkarni has called upon the youth to develop patriotic spirit and work for national integration.
Delivering the Independence Day message at the 71st Independence Day programmes organised by the district administration here on Tuesday, Mr. Kulkarni said that owing to the sacrifice of thousands of lives, India could achieve freedom and it is up to the younger generation to protect that freedom and make democracy more vibrant.
On drought, the Minister said that the condition of farmers in the State is deplorable as the rainfall has skipped the State with a majority of districts reeling under intense drought. To help the farmers, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has waived farm loans benefiting 22,207 farmers. A sum of ₹ 80 crore loan has been waived, he added.
Mr. Kulkarni, who received the guard of honour, later felicitated freedom fighters Pudakalkatti Gaddigeri, Mallappa Gaddigeri, Martandappa Satyannavar, Basavenappa Kori, Yallappa Ayatti, and also the family members of army personnel Bharath Maski, Basappa Chougale and Hanumappa Bharamraddi who sacrificed their lives during Operation Vijay and Operation Pavan.
This was for the first time that the district administration felicitated war veterans and their family members on Independence Day and this gesture was appreciated by all.
Tippanna Mallappa Baradwad from Agadi village in Hubballi taluk who saved the lives of three persons in an accident was honoured with the Jeeva Rakshak medal.
The family members of farmers who committed suicide owing to debts and crop damage were given the Indira Health Card.
As many as 11 poor meritorious students who had studied in government schools and had scored more marks in the SSLC exam were distributed laptops by the Minister.
A free health check-up camp was organised at the R.N. Shetty district stadium by the Civil Hospital doctors. More than 300 people underwent health screening and those diagnosed with diabetes and blood pressure were advised treatment. Cultural programmes by the Jawahar Navodaya and Pavan School enthralled the audience.