Bhatkal: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Taluk Sports Stadium, popularly known as the YMSA Ground in Nawayath Colony, Bhatkal, on Monday, under the joint auspices of the Taluk Administration, Taluk Panchayat, Bhatkal Town Municipal Council (TMC), and Jali Pattan Panchayat. Tahsildar Nagendra Kolashetty hoisted the national flag and delivered the Republic Day message.
Addressing the gathering, the Tahsildar said that with the enforcement of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, India emerged as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. He stated that the Constitution not only guarantees equal rights to all citizens but also entrusts them with the responsibility of safeguarding national unity, integrity, and social justice.
He highlighted that the core constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity continue to guide the nation’s governance. The far-sighted vision and social commitment of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, laid a strong foundation for the country’s administrative system, he added.
Explaining the role of the Taluk Administration, Nagendra Kolashetty said it serves as a vital link between the government and the people and plays a key role in the effective implementation of welfare schemes. He noted that priority has been given to the digitisation of land records, simplification of pahani correction procedures, transparent distribution of social security schemes, prompt relief during natural disasters, and the development of sanitation, drinking water, and basic infrastructure in rural areas.
He said public grievances are being addressed through Janaspandana and taluk-level meetings. Urging citizens to respect the law and make proper use of government schemes, he called upon students and youth to adopt discipline, honesty, and patriotism as core life values.
On the occasion, a ceremonial march-past by the police department and students from schools and colleges was held, and prizes were distributed to teams for their best performances. Cheques of ₹50,000 each were presented to three taluk students who secured the highest marks in the SSLC examination for the academic year 2024–25. Achievers from various fields were also felicitated.
Among those present were TMC Chief Officer Venkatesh Nauda, CPI Divakar, Jali Town Panchayat President Afsha Kazia, Guarantee Scheme Committee President Raju Manjappa Naik, Jali Town Panchayat Vice-President Syed Imran Lanka, Government Employees’ Association President M.N. Naik, Block Education Officer Venkatesh Naik, and other taluk-level officials. Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Sunil M. welcomed the gathering, while teacher Sridhar Shet compered the programme.