Moodubidire: Freedom is not merely the right to live as one wishes, but also entails duties and responsibilities towards the nation, the Constitution, society and future generations, said Captain Ganesh Karnik, former Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council and former Indian Army officer.
He was speaking after hoisting the National Flag as the chief guest at the 80th Independence Day celebrations organized by Alva’s Education Foundation at the K.V. Subbanna Open-Air Theatre in Moodubidire on Saturday.
Addressing more than 15,000 students and members of the teaching and non-teaching staff, parents and localities, Captain Karnik reflected on India’s freedom struggle, the country’s progress after Independence, national security, democracy, the Constitution, unity in diversity and the role of young people in shaping India’s future.
Freedom is the outcome of sacrifice
Recalling the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle, Captain Karnik said India’s freedom was not won in a single day, but was the outcome of the sacrifices, struggles, suffering and unwavering determination of several generations. He recalled that independent India had inherited several challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, inadequate infrastructure and limited industrial capacity. However, successive generations had built educational institutions, universities, industries, scientific establishments and democratic institutions, laying a strong foundation for the country’s transformation, he said.
India’s strength lies in its unity amid diversity, he said, noting that differences in language, culture, traditions, faiths and lifestyles had never diminished the larger sense of Indian identity. “Unity does not mean uniformity,” he said, urging young people to ensure that differences did not turn into divisions and to uphold harmony and mutual respect.
Youth have a key role in building Viksit Bharat
Pointing to India’s progress in space technology, information technology, pharmaceuticals, digital innovation, defense, renewable energy, infrastructure and scientific research, Captain Karnik said the youth would have a decisive role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Young people should not remain merely consumers of technology, but should become innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists, professionals and responsible citizens, he said. Education, he added, should not be limited to marks, degrees or securing employment. It should nurture character, creativity, problem-solving abilities, values and a sense of social responsibility. While making use of global opportunities, young Indians should remain rooted in the country’s values and cultural heritage. Integrity, respect for parents and teachers, environmental protection, preservation of cultural heritage and responsible use of technology should form an integral part of their lives, he said.
‘Ask what you can contribute to the country’
Young people should ask not only what the country could provide for them, but also what they could contribute to the nation, Mr Karnik said. Maintaining integrity in examinations, respecting public property, keeping surroundings clean, helping those in need and striving for excellence in one’s chosen profession were all forms of nation-building, he said. India, he added, should aspire not merely to become a powerful nation, but also a responsible global power contributing to peace, prosperity and human well-being.
Students create a spectacular tricolor display
A major attraction of the celebrations was a spectacular visual presentation created by the students.
As many as 2,550 students formed a large representation of the Indian National Flag, using saffron, white and green to create a striking tricolor formation on the ground. Another 8,350 students, dressed in sky-blue T-shirts, created a vast and visually impressive formation, adding to the grandeur of the celebrations. Further, 1,935 students stood in disciplined formations along the periphery of the ground, creating a continuous tricolor design in saffron, white and green. Tricolor-themed blasters and blowers added to the visual spectacle, while lion adorned in the colors of the National Flag and cylindrical pillars decorated in the tricolor enhanced the festive ambience of the campus.
NCC contingent presents ceremonial salute
The celebrations also featured a ceremonial parade by the NCC contingent. NCC Cadet Captain Yadunandan served as the Parade Commander, while PO Cadet Hardik Harsha Shetty led the ceremonial salute. Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman Dr M Mohan Alva, Managing Trustees Vivek Alva and Dr. Vinay Alva, members of the governing body Balakrishna Alva, Dr. Hana Shetty and Dr. Greeshma Alva, principals of the various educational institutions under the Foundation, teaching and non-teaching staff, parents and distinguished members of the community were part of the celebrations.