
Mangaluru, Aug. 15, 2026: Dakshina Kannada District In-charge Minister U.T. Khader called upon the younger generation to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of freedom fighters and work towards building a stronger and more prosperous India.
Speaking after hoisting the national flag at the Independence Day celebrations held at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru on Saturday, Khader said the previous generations had sacrificed their lives and created history by securing the country’s freedom. “The present generation must strive to create a new chapter in history by taking India to greater heights on the global stage,” he said.
He noted that Independence Day is not merely a day of celebration but also an occasion to reaffirm the commitment to safeguarding the nation’s freedom. Khader urged people to remember the sacrifices and contributions of freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose.
Despite India’s diversity in languages, cultures and religions, the spirit of Indian identity has united the nation, he said. He appealed to citizens to uphold communal harmony, peace and national unity.
Highlighting the state government’s welfare initiatives in Dakshina Kannada district, Khader said that under the Gruhalakshmi scheme, ₹2,001 crore had been disbursed to 3.82 lakh women beneficiaries. Under the Yuvanidhi scheme, ₹21 crore had been provided to 7,542 unemployed youth. He added that 5.52 lakh beneficiaries had availed benefits under the Gruhajyoti scheme, while 14 crore women across the state had benefited from the Shakti scheme.
The minister said the government has prioritised healthcare, electricity, drinking water supply and infrastructure development in the district. Underground power cable projects are currently underway in Mangaluru and Ullal, he added.
Khader also asserted that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drug networks and anti-social activities while maintaining law and order in the district.
The programme was attended by Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, Legislative Council members Ivan D’Souza and S.L. Bhojegowda, Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V., along with other public representatives, heads of boards and corporations, and government officials.