President of the Zilla Panchayat Chickkanarasaiah expressed his displeasure over the fact that Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations in Chikballapur had been a very low-key affair.

Speaking at the Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations organised in the City on Tuesday, he said, there were 48 departments in the district centre. At the same, it was most unfortunate to note that hardly 48 officials were present at the function.

In today’s world, there was a dire necessity of following Gandhiji’s principles, which holds good even today. The jayanthi celebrations should be marked with fervour and enthusiasm and in the next year, all the officials should take part in it, he suggested.

Speaking on the occasion, freedom fighter D Marappa said, in order to realise the dreams of Gandhiji of building a Sarvodaya Samaja, it was necessary for all the members of the society, including politicians, officials, students, teachers and people from all walks of life, followed his principles, ideals and thoughts in toto.
Freedom fighters Narasimhaiah and C Narayanappa stated that Gandhiji should be remembered everyday.
Education expert Kodirangappa said, the dreams of Gandhiji and Lal Bahadur Shastry can be realised, if and only if, development began in the houses of the rural people in the villages.

MLA S M Muniyappa said, the thoughts of Gandhiji were relevant to build the nation.

Officials’ absence
Officials from the various departments were absent at the Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations.

Taluk Panchayat President Subbarayappa, Vice-President K R Reddy, former president S Y Mariyappa, Zilla Panchayat member A D Avalappa, Assistant Commissioner Arundhati Chandrashekhar, Tahsildar P V Poornima, DDPI Bellashetty, BEO Ashwathaiah, Deputy Conservation Officer of Forest Amarnath, Zonal Forest Officer Nagesh, Assistant Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department J Krishnamurthy and others were present at the function.

Verses from the Bible, Quran and the Bhagawad Geetha were read out on the occasion.
A music programme conducted by music teacher Mahalingaiah and his team and G N Ashwath was held.

At Avalagurki
Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanthi celebrations were celebrated with great pomp and gaiety at the premises of the Avalagurki Government High School in Avalagurki village of Chikballapur taluk, on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Gram Panchayat President K Muniyappa said Gandhiji had great interest in education. He gave a lot of importance to education. In accordance to his principles, basic facilities would be provided to this school, he added.

Gram Panchayat Vice-President Narayanamma, Chairman of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Nagaraj, SDMC President Munikrishnappa, leaders Lakshmanappa, Narayanswamy, teachers Komal, Anitha, Saraswathamma and others were present on the occasion.

Head Master and in-charge Assistant Education Officer K M Reddappa presided over the function. Teacher Lakshman Reddy welcomed. Nagaraj proposed a vote of thanks.