BELAGAVI
Massive celebrations and protest rallies were held in Belagavi on Karnataka Statehood Day, on Wednesday.
While the district administration had organised a day-long celebration in the city, the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) organised a massive protest cycle rally. The city was literally out of bounds as all the entries to the city were barricaded and the traffic was diverted.
The celebrations of the Rajyotsava commenced at the District Stadium here where District In-Charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi hoisted the national tricolor and also received the guard of honour.
Satish Jarakiholi also honoured 25 personalities including pro-Kannada fighters and 9 journalists were felicitated.
In his speech, Jarkiholi highlighted on the Kannada language and culture and contributions of Belagavi district. He also paid tribute to the freedom fighters and the leaders who fought for the unification of Karnataka.
“Karnataka also identified as Kannada Nadu is a confluence of different religions and cultures. With Kannada as a state language, Karnataka has developed its own magnificent cultural heritage since ancient times. It is also the home of coexistence, sunshine, and spirituality,” Minister Jarkiholi said.
Highlighting Belagavi’s specialties, he said that the district which shares a border with Goa and Maharashtra, is characterised by its culture.
“We see the existence of multilingual harmony among Kannada-Hindi-Marathi and Konkani in Belagavi. Our country’s culture preaches unity in diversity and Belagavi is an example of harmony of different religions and many languages” Jarkiholi ascertained.
The only Congress session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi was held a hundred years ago in 1924, he said.
Meanwhile, massive rallies celebrating the Statehood Day and the 50th year of renaming of Mysore State to Karnataka was observed with pomp.
Over one lakh people from different parts of the district took part in the procession along the main city roads while the traffic was diverted.
Goans visiting Belagavi had a tough time as everything literally came to a standstill due to the blocked main city roads.
Belagavi North MLA Asif (Raju) Seth, Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil, Police Commissioner SN Siddaramappa, ZP CEO Harshal Bhoyer, SP Bhima Shankar Guled , officials and dignitaries were present.
