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The coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi came alive on Saturday with grand processions, cultural performances, and the hoisting of the red-and-yellow state flag as part of the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations. Students, artistes, and citizens joined hands to celebrate the spirit of Kannada identity, culture, and pride across the region. Dakshina Kannada celebrates heritage and development At the official district-level function held at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru, district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao called upon citizens to uphold Karnataka’s rich heritage, history, and culture. “By setting aside differences of caste and religion, everyone should work with a spirit of brotherhood to maintain harmony and lead the district on the path of development,” he said, addressing the gathering. Reiterating the government’s commitment to citizen-centric governance, the minister highlighted that a majority of residents are now benefiting directly from various welfare schemes. Under the Amrit Nagarothana Phase-4 scheme, ₹110 crore has been sanctioned for 13 urban local bodies in Dakshina Kannada, with 144 projects already completed, he said. The minister also announced that 19 Indira Canteens have been approved for the district to provide affordable meals to the public, while seven more are in the pipeline. To ease traffic congestion in Mangaluru city and along the national highway, plans are under way to build a ring road from Thalapady to Surathkal, aimed at improving urban connectivity and reducing travel time. ‘Akka Pade’ initiative to support women and children In Udupi, district minister Laxmi Hebbalkar presided over the Rajyotsava celebrations, where she announced the upcoming launch of the ‘Akka Pade’ initiative — a joint effort by the Women and Child Development Department and the Police Department to support women and children in distress. The project will be launched in Bengaluru on November 19 and later expanded to Udupi, Mangaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi, she said. Hebbalkar emphasised the transformative impact of the government’s welfare programmes, stating that the five guarantee schemes have improved the living standards of 70–95% of poor and backward women across Karnataka. Karnataka progressing towards innovation and inclusion Highlighting Karnataka’s growing prominence, Hebbalkar said, “Karnataka, known as the Silicon Capital, is now progressing towards becoming the Innovation Capital of the world.” She also commended the Karnataka Police for topping the India Justice Report, which she said has enhanced the state’s reputation for law and order. Hebbalkar noted that the government is focused on worker welfare, promoting investments, and implementing the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–29, which aims to position the state as India’s leading tourism destination. 50 years of Anganwadi initiative As Karnataka marks 50 years of the Anganwadi initiative, the minister announced that its golden jubilee celebrations will be held on November 19 with grand events across the state. Recognising achievers and contributors On the occasion, achievers and organisations from various fields in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi were honoured with the District Rajyotsava Awards for their contributions to society, culture, education, and public service. The twin coastal districts thus reflected the unity and vibrancy of Karnataka’s diverse heritage as citizens came together to celebrate Rajyotsava with pride, inclusivity, and hope for progress.
