Nation-building is not a one-day agenda, says DCP

Speaking about the nation or patriotism is not enough. Patriotism should be practised, said DCP (Crime and Traffic) Uma Prashanth.

She was speaking during the ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ observed by the DK district Ex-servicemen's Association, Centre for Integrated Learning and Lions Club, at Lions Seva Mandir in Mallikatte, Mangaluru, on Thursday.

“Along with taking pride in being an Indian, one should contribute towards the development of a nation. However, nation-building is not a one-day agenda. There needs to be consistency and continuity to achieve the same. This happens when every person makes his own effort to uphold the dignity of the nation. One can do so by being disciplined and maintaining cleanliness in public places.”

The DCP, meanwhile, expressed her concern about the increasing crime rate among the youth. Stating that the students should focus on their studies and be determined in striving towards their goal, she said that behind every victory, there are hardships.

"Our brave soldiers work in extreme weather conditions to safeguard Indian borders. One should always hold military personnel in great awe and respect. The spirit and patriotism of ex-servicemen have surpassed the barrier of age," she said.

Col N S Bhandary shared his experiences about Operation Vijay at Kargil.

Ex-servicemen Dhananjaya Shetty, Harishchandra Shetty and Janardana Chalpe were felicitated on the occasion. DK district Ex-servicemen's Association president Vikram Datta, Brigadier I N Rai and Lions Club Mangaluru governer Devdas Bhandary were present, among others.

Floral tributes to martyrs

On account of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, dignitaries paid tributes to the martyrs’ at the Martyrs’ Memorial at Kadri Hills in the city on Thursday evening.

A candlelight vigil was also observed in honour of the martyrs on the occasion.

The programme was organised by DK district Ex-servicemen's Association and Sri Shasthavu Bhootanatheshwara Trust.