Colourful parade marks I-day celebrations in Manipal Varsity

Manipal University celebrated the 68th Independence day with inspiring messages, a colourful parade and a wonderful camaraderie to mark the day.

The copious ranifall since many weeks too took a break on Friday for fine weather to enjoy the celebrations, hosted by School of Life Sciences this time.

Chancellor Dr Ramdas M Pai hoisted the tricolour, inspected a guard of honour and took the salute at the march past.

Welcoming the gathering, Schools of Life Sciences Director Dr K Satyamoorthy said progress was discernible in every sphere of human endeavour in the country.

“Be it in science, technology, agriculture and food production or space and atomic energy, there is significant progress. Today we live in exciting times,” he said and added, “No nation can progress unless its people are educated. The vision of Dr TMA Pai, the founder has grown over the last six decades in Manipal University for higher education and research. We mark this occasion with a solemn pledge to continue to contribute to the nation building, ” Dr  Satyamoorthy stressed.

Manipal University Vice Chancellor Dr K Ramnarayan in his message said, “Independence day is about celebrating our beliefs and is a great opportunity to renew our dedication to the principal of liberty and equality. This celebration is our way of showing gratitude to our great freedom fighters. India’s strength is in its diversity, is in its plurality, is in its tolerance and is in its ability to embrace differences.”

Turning to the students, he reminded that years of education and training provided to them on this campus was their greatest source of strength,  growth and the energy to foray into life outer world.

Veteran journalist and honorary director of Schools of Communication at Manipal University, M V Kamath recalled glorious moments from history and lauded the freedom fighters.
 “It was because of their invaluable contribution and sacrifice that India is celebrating Independence,” Kamath  noted.

Manipal College of Nursing was declared the best outfit in march past while Manipal College of Dental Sciences came second and Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) came at third position.