Udupi city marked Sri Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti on Friday, October 26, at the Zilla Panchayat's Dr. V.S. Acharya Auditorium. The District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Udupi City Municipality, Department of Scheduled Tribes Welfare, and the Scheduled Tribes Organization Udupi jointly hosted the commemorative event.
Udupi MLA Yashpal A. Suvarna, inaugurating the ceremony by lighting the lamp, emphasized that such celebrations truly resonate when government initiatives named after Maharshi Valmiki, who championed equality and social justice, genuinely reach the intended Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. He underscored the government's commitment to various schemes for these groups, urging departments to ensure their proper and fair delivery to every individual, down to the last person. Suvarna specifically addressed the ongoing challenges faced by the Koraga community, noting issues with insurance, food kits, and scholarships over recent months. He assured attendees that he would bring these concerns to the government's immediate attention.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Abid Gadyal reflected on Maharshi Valmiki's life, describing it as a profound lesson in personal transformation. He highlighted how good deeds accompany individuals throughout life and beyond, and how a single pivotal thought can alter one's trajectory. Manjunath Poojary, President of Sri Narayana Guru Development Corporation, also shared his insights. Chandrashekhara Shetty, Vice Principal of Koteshwara Karnataka Public School, delivered a detailed lecture on Valmiki's influential life and personality.
A significant highlight of the event was the felicitation of outstanding students and individuals. Manjunath, a student from Cherkadi Morarji Desai Residential School, received a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh for securing 619 marks in the tenth standard, earning him the district's top rank. The ceremony also honored Manisha, Ashwita, and Shravya for their top scores in the pre-university examination, alongside Swasti and Lavanya, who excelled in the tenth standard. Additionally, Nonayya Renjala, Dr. Ashwita, and Mahabala Naik were recognized for their achievements across various fields.
Additional Superintendent of Police Sudhakar Naik and office bearers from various Scheduled Tribes organizations were among those present. Narayan Swamy, Coordinator of the Integrated Tribal Development Project, extended a warm welcome, while ITDP staff Sridevi expertly compered the proceedings and concluded with a vote of thanks.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi