Karnataka Rajyotsava Celebrated with Enthusiasm at New Mangalore Port Authority
Mangaluru: New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) celebrated Karnataka Rajyotsava with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at the Port on Sunday. The programme was presided over by NMPA Deputy Chairperson S. Shanthi, while noted writer and television anchor Prakash Puttur graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Yallappa Vaddar, President of the NMPA Kannada Sangha, and Dr. Surekha Hoskeri, Chief Medical Officer, NMPA, and member of the Karnataka Rajyotsava Celebration Committee, were among the other dignitaries present.
As part of the celebrations, S. Shanthi hoisted the State flag in the presence of the dignitaries, Board Members, members of the NMPA Kannada Sangha, officers, employees, staff and school students. The programme was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Deputy Chairperson, followed by floral tributes to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri Prakash Puttur highlighted the significance of the Kannada language, the importance of celebrating Karnataka Rajyotsava and the history behind the occasion. He appreciated NMPA for organising the celebrations in an inclusive manner, involving members of the entire Port fraternity.
In her presidential address, S. Shanthi expressed her gratitude to the people of Karnataka and Mangaluru for their warmth, cooperation and inclusive spirit. Appreciating Karnataka’s ability to welcome people from diverse backgrounds and provide them with opportunities to grow, she highlighted the harmonious working environment at NMPA, where employees from different States feel at home.
Emphasising that the progress of Karnataka and other States is integral to the progress of the nation, she encouraged employees from outside Karnataka to learn Kannada. She also suggested organising exclusive competitions to motivate their participation in such initiatives. Congratulating the participants and prize winners, she expressed hope that she would address the gathering in Kannada at next year’s celebrations.
As part of the programme, students who secured the highest marks in Kannada were felicitated in recognition of their academic achievements. Prizes were also distributed to NMPA employees and staff who emerged victorious in various competitions organised during the preceding week as part of the Rajyotsava celebrations.
Dr. Surekha Hoskeri, member of the Karnataka Rajyotsava Celebration Committee, welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering, while Yallappa Vaddar, President of the NMPA Kannada Sangha, proposed the vote of thanks.
The celebrations concluded with colourful cultural performances by schoolchildren, adding vibrancy to the occasion.