Uphold national unity, build a stronger India for future generations: Rudrappa Lamani

Every Indian has a responsibility to safeguard the freedom inherited from the freedom struggle and build a stronger India for future generations, said Sugar and Textiles Minister and Haveri district in-charge Minister Rudrappa Lamani.

Hoisting the national flag at the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Hosamani Siddappa District Stadium in Haveri on Saturday, Mr. Lamani said the freedom enjoyed by Indians was not a gift but the result of decades of struggle, sacrifice, and determination by millions of people.

He recalled the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Subhas Chandra Bose, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and B.R. Ambedkar, besides women freedom fighters such as Kittur Chennamma, Rani Lakshmibai, Keladi Chennamma and Abbakka. “The freedom struggle is a remarkable example of unity in diversity. We must uphold unity, fraternity, equality and non-violence,” he said.

Mr. Lamani also recalled the contribution of Haveri district to the freedom movement, including Mailara Mahadevappa of Motebennur, Sangur Kariyappa, Menasinahal Thimmannagowda, Shivappa Neswi and Hosamani Siddappa.

Highlighting the State government’s achievements, he said the five guarantee schemes — Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyothi, Shakti, Anna Bhagya and Yuva Nidhi — had benefited crores of families. About ₹1.34 lakh crore had been spent on implementing the schemes across Karnataka, he said.

The government had initiated direct recruitment to 54,432 vacant posts and distributed title deeds to lakhs of beneficiaries under the Bhoomi Guarantee scheme. Among the agriculture initiatives were a ₹100-crore programme for value addition and recycling of agricultural waste, a Millet Hub, the Plant Sanjeevini scheme for pest and disease control, artificial intelligence-enabled farmer services and the revival of the Krishi Bhagya scheme for water conservation, he said.

In Haveri district, 3.17 lakh hectares had been sown during the kharif season. About 1.41 lakh tonnes of fertilizer had been allocated, of which 95,215 tonnes had been distributed. A 50-bed intensive care unit had been completed at HIMS, while an MRI scanner had been installed at the district hospital. An Institute of Allied Health Sciences with 70 seats had also been approved, Mr. Lamani said.

Mr. Lamani said 10,161 girls had been administered HPV vaccines, and 20 multi-village drinking water schemes would supply treated river water to 726 habitations.

As part of the celebrations, 27 achievers from various fields were felicitated. Meritorious SSLC and PUC students were also honoured.

A march-past by 14 contingents, including the police, fire services, Home Guards, NCC, Scouts and school students, was held. Students presented patriotic dances celebrating India’s culture and national pride.