Puttur: St. Philomena Autonomous College in association with the Dakshina Kannada District Police and Puttur City Police Station celebrated National Unity Day with enthusiasm to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and to honour his immense contribution to the national and political integration of India.
Addressing the gathering, Additional Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Bomareddy highlighted the life and legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India. He remarked that Patel, with his firm resolve and visionary leadership, played a pivotal role in uniting the nation after independence. “His decisions, integrity, and patriotism earned him the title of the Iron Man of India,” he stated. ASP Bomareddy emphasised that the observance of National Unity Day serves as a reminder of Patel’s invaluable contribution to the country’s sovereignty, unity, and progress. He administered the National Unity Day pledge and led participants in reaffirming their commitment to national integration.
Earlier, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of St Philomena College, delivered the welcome address. The celebration also featured a Unity Run organised to promote the spirit of solidarity and national cohesion. The run, which started from the college campus, proceeded up to Kallare and concluded back on the college grounds.
The event witnessed active participation from DYSP Arun Nagegowda, Puttur City Police Inspector Johnson D’Souza, Women’s Police Station Inspector Sunil, and Sub-Inspectors from the city, traffic, and rural police stations. Cadets from the 3/19 Karnataka Battalion NCC Army Wing and the 5 Karnataka NCC Naval Wing, along with members of the Rovers and Rangers, NSS volunteers, and Youth Red Cross students of St Philomena College, enthusiastically took part in the Unity Run.
The programme was effectively coordinated by the various student wings of the college under the guidance of their respective officers, Captain Johnson David Sequeira of the NCC Army Wing, Naval Wing Officer Tejasvi Bhatt K, NSS Officers Dr Chandrashekar K and Pushpa N, Youth Red Cross Officers Dr Dimple Jennifer Fernandes and Sushma Crasta, Rovers and Rangers Officers Khalandar Sharif and Shriraksha B.V., and Student Welfare Officers Dr Radhakrishna Gowda and Spearl Fiona Pereira.
The event was graced by the presence of Vice Principal Dr Vijaykumar Moliyar, Finance Officer of the college Dr Edwin D’souza , PRO Bharathi S. Rai,Student Welfare officer Dr Radhakrishna Gowda,Office Superintendent Rufina D’souza and several faculty members of the college.