Freedom, equality and fraternity must be upheld by all: CM Siddaramaiah in Puttur
Puttur: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised the importance of upholding the constitutional values of freedom, equality, and fraternity, urging citizens to contribute towards building an inclusive and just society.
Addressing a large gathering at the Ashoka Janamana–2025 programme held at the Kombettu Grounds in Puttur, Siddaramaiah said, “Every individual must follow the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in our Constitution. We will soon bring a law to act against those spreading false information in the state.”
The event was organized by the Rai Estate Education and Charitable Trust under the leadership of MLA Ashok Kumar Rai to mark the 13th annual Diwali celebration and distribution of clothes.
Speaking further, Siddaramaiah said that people who earn must share a portion of their wealth for the welfare of others. “A society based on equality can exist only when the privileged extend support to the underprivileged. Basavanna called this Kayaka Dasoha — work and share. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar rightly said that when inequality persists, the edifice of liberty begins to crumble,” he noted.
The Chief Minister stressed that no religion teaches hatred. “Every faith advocates love and compassion. As Kuvempu said, our society should become a garden of peace for all communities,” he remarked.
Highlighting the government’s welfare initiatives, Siddaramaiah said the Anna Bhagya Guarantee Scheme aims to ensure that “no person in Karnataka should have to beg for food.” He also noted that after the introduction of guarantee schemes, Karnataka has achieved the highest per capita income in the country.
“We are committed to ensuring that every district has a medical college and at least one super-speciality hospital. As of now, 22 districts have government medical colleges. A full-fledged government medical college will also be established in Puttur,” he assured.
District-in-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who also spoke at the event, described the programme as “historic” and said it fosters love and trust among people. “Politics is not merely about enjoying power; it is about repaying the people’s debt through meaningful service,” he said.
MLA Ashok Kumar Rai mentioned that the Janamana initiative has been distributing clothes during Diwali for the past 12 years and that this year, one lakh people would benefit. He also expressed his commitment to pursuing tourism and employment opportunities for the development of Puttur.
The ceremony saw participation from several dignitaries, including MLC Dr. Manjunath Bhandari, Ivan D’Souza, former ministers Abhaychandra Jain, B. Ramanath Rai, and Vinay Kumar Sorake, Manila Shrimohan Das Paramahamsa Swamiji, religious leaders Fr. Lawrence Mascarenhas and scholar S.B. Dharimi, and former MLA Shakuntala Shetty.
Congress leaders Mithun Rai, Padmaraj, Inayat Ali, Kanachur Monu, Harish Kumar, M.A. Gafoor, Mamatha Gatti, and others were also present.
Ashok Kumar Rai welcomed the gathering, Muhammad Badagannur compered the event, and Nihal Shetty delivered the vote of thanks.
On the occasion of Diwali, clothes and household essentials were distributed to thousands, and 20 achievers from various fields were felicitated on stage.
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1,850 missing mobile phones recovered as Delhi Police focusses on victim-centric policing
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has recovered 1,850 stolen and lost mobile phones worth around Rs 4 crore in past 40 days under "Mission Reconnect", an initiative aimed at returning phones to their rightful owners in outernorth Delhi, an official said on Saturday.
The recovered phones were traced from different parts of the country, including remote areas, through technical surveillance and sustained field operations, police said, adding that the devices were handed over to their owners during a programme at the Sports Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.
The initiative focused on a victim-centric approach and aimed at strengthening public trust through proactive policing and coordinated efforts across states, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami said.
As part of the programme, teams performed 'nukkad nataks' and screened awareness videos on cybercrime, drug abuse prevention, and senior citizen safety, sensitising the public about digital frauds and safety measures, officials said.
The initiative combines technology, investigation and community participation to ensure recovery of lost property and reconnect citizens with their valuables, they added.
