Mangaluru: CM Siddaramaiah urges all to uphold ideals of freedom, equality, and fraternity

Mangaluru: CM Siddaramaiah urges all to uphold ideals of freedom, equality, and fraternity

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 21, 2025: “The ideals of the Constitution — freedom, equality, and fraternity — must be followed by everyone,” said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 13th annual Janamana (clothes distribution) programme organized by the Rai Estate Education and Charitable Trust (R) under the leadership of MLA Ashok Rai at Kompettu Grounds in Puttur on Monday, held on the occasion of Deepavali.

The Chief Minister announced that the state government would soon introduce a law to take action against those spreading misinformation.

“Every individual should share a portion of what they earn with others in society. To build an equal society, the privileged must help the underprivileged. This is the essence of our Constitution,” Siddaramaiah said. Quoting Basavanna, he added that “work and sharing” should be everyone’s way of life — we must produce and share together. He praised MLA Ashok Rai’s social initiatives, saying they serve as a model for others.

Referring to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s words, he said, “When inequality persists in society, the edifice of freedom collapses.”

“None of the religions preach hatred; they teach love and harmony,” he added. “As poet Kuvempu said, society should become a garden of peace for all communities. No one in our state should have to beg for food — we must aim to make Karnataka hunger-free.”

District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who also spoke on the occasion, described it as a historic programme that fosters love and trust among people. “In politics, holding power is not the only goal — serving and repaying the people’s faith is equally important,” he said.

Several dignitaries attended the event, including MLC Dr. Manjunath Bhandary, Ivan D’Souza, former ministers Abhayachandra Jain, B. Ramanath Rai, Vinay Kumar Sorake, Manila Shrimohan Das Paramahamsa Swamiji, religious leaders Fr. Lawrence Mascarenhas and scholar S.B. Dharimi, former MLA Shakuntala Shetty, and Congress leaders Mithun Rai, Padmaraj, Inayat Ali, Kanachuru Monu, Harish Kumar, M.A. Gafur, Sadashiva Ullal, Mamatha Gatti, Shalet Pinto, Lavanya Ballal, Bharat Mundodi, and others.

MLA Ashok Kumar Rai welcomed the gathering, Badagannur Muhammed compered the event, and Nihal Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.

As part of the Diwali programme, clothes and household items were distributed to the needy, and 20 achievers were felicitated on stage.