Governor calls for disciplined, enlightened democracy

Governor H R Bhardwaj called for a disciplined and enlightened democracy, during his speech at the 63rd Republic Day celebrations.

Bhardwaj, who unfurled the National Flag and received the guard of honours at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Grounds here on Saturday, paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

He said Gandhi, an avowed secularist, had insisted on discipline in democracy. Quoting him, he said, “Democracy disciplined and enlightened is the finest in the world.

A democracy prejudiced, ignorant and superstitious will land itself in chaos and could be self-destroying.

Democracy, in essence, means the art and science of mobilising the entire physical, economic and
spiritual resources of all sections of the people in service of the common good of all,” he said.

Paying homage to freedom fighters, martyrs and visionaries who dedicated their lives to nation building by their “selfless service and sacrifice,” the governor said India was proud to have produced great leaders who played a vital role in the freedom struggle.

Bhardwaj praised the armed forces and paramilitary forces guarding the borders and protecting the country from adversaries. The Constitution of India had established a powerful democracy, upholding equal fraternity, liberty and social justice, he added.

The governor said Parliament, State Assemblies and local self governments must ensure social and economic justice to the weaker sections of society and rural poor, in order to achieve the objectives of a welfare State.

Atrocities against women

It is an irony to note that “Mathru Devo Bhava,” the first commandment of the Dharma, which teaches every Indian to respect women, had been completely eroded. Issues relating to women had been grappling for the attention of the governments. It was time to act upon them with sincerity and firmness, the governor said.

Bhardwaj also spoke about Karantaka’s contributions to the freedom movement. He also recollected the State’s contributions to the field of art, culture, economy, education, research, science and technology. Being in the forefront of developed states, Karnataka had the potential of emerging as the leading state in political, economic, social, educational, scientific and technological spheres, he said.

Visual treat at Republic Day parade

Tableaux displaying historical battles waged by the rulers of Karnataka, the State’s rich cultural heritage, and daredevilry stunts on speeding motorcycles, marked the 63rd Republic Day celebrations at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Grounds in Bangalore on Saturday, reports DHNS.

Evoking a deep sense of patriotism among the audience who were treated to a visual feast of various performances. A large number of crowd gathered on the Grounds, to watch the cultural events.

After Governor H R Bhardwaj unfurled the tri-colour, rose petals were showered from a chopper, adding a special touch to the traditional flag-hoisting. The ceremonial parade was flagged off after the Governor inspected the guard of honour in an open jeep.

The parade comprised contingents from across the State, including the Army, Airforce, Border Security Force, Karnataka State Reserve Police, Home Guards, Civil Defence, Red Cross, NCC, NSS and students from various schools.   

The parade was followed by cultural programmes by school and college students who dressed up as Swami Vivekananda, Kittur Rani Chennamma, Sangolli Rayanna, Tipu Sultan and the like, depicting the State’s historic battles.

The highlight of the two-hour event was the daredevilry in the motorcycle stunts displayed by team Sweth Ashwa of the Corps of Military Police. The crowd cheered and clapped through the 15-minute display of interesting props which included ‘landslide’, ‘sunbath’, ‘Christmas tree’, ‘ladder climbing’,’ flying fish’, and the famous ‘fire jump’.

The event concluded with prize distribution by the Governor to the winning contingents and cultural teams.

Tableaux displaying historical battles waged by the rulers of Karnataka, the State’s rich cultural heritage, and daredevilry stunts on speeding motorcycles, marked the 63rd Republic Day celebrations at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Grounds in Bangalore on Saturday, reports DHNS.

Evoking a deep sense of patriotism among the audience who were treated to a visual feast of various performances. A large number of crowd gathered on the Grounds, to watch the cultural events.

After Governor H R Bhardwaj unfurled the tri-colour, rose petals were showered from a chopper, adding a special touch to the traditional flag-hoisting. The ceremonial parade was flagged off after the Governor inspected the guard of honour in an open jeep.

The parade comprised contingents from across the State, including the Army, Airforce, Border Security Force, Karnataka State Reserve Police, Home Guards, Civil Defence, Red Cross, NCC, NSS and students from various schools.   

The parade was followed by cultural programmes by school and college students who dressed up as Swami Vivekananda, Kittur Rani Chennamma, Sangolli Rayanna, Tipu Sultan and the like, depicting the State’s historic battles.

The highlight of the two-hour event was the daredevilry in the motorcycle stunts displayed by team Sweth Ashwa of the Corps of Military Police. The crowd cheered and clapped through the 15-minute display of interesting props which included ‘landslide’, ‘sunbath’, ‘Christmas tree’, ‘ladder climbing’,’ flying fish’, and the famous ‘fire jump’.

The event concluded with prize distribution by the Governor to the winning contingents and cultural teams.