Bhatkal: The city celebrated 71st Independence day was with full national fervor and patriotic zeal, at various schools, colleges, NGO’s, Government offices and other institutions in Bhatkal taluk.

Grand celebration of the Independence Day was conducted by the local administration at the Taluka Stadium (YMSA ground) at Nawayth Colony, Bhatkal. Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner M N Manjunath, hoisted the flag and Bhatkal MLA Mankal Vaidya presided over the function.

Addressing the gathering, Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner Manjunath conveyed wishes to citizens, defense servicemen, and others and recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters, especially Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Tippu Sultan, Hyder Ali, Subhas Chandra Bose and many others.

PSI Santosh Kumar led the March Past event, and the parade was led by the police personnel, Home Guards, NCC, Scouts & Guides, attractive drill by school students marked the celebration.

Winners at different levels were awarded cash prizes and certificates during the program.

Bhatkal Tahsildar V N Bhadkar welcomed the guests, while the vote of thanks was delivered by BEO Sri Venkatesh Patgar.

Mohammed Sadiq Matta, Ishwar Baliya Naik, Abdul Rahim, Ms. Sindhu Bhaskar Naik, P A Shivakumar and others were present on the dais.