People with disabilities need to be encouraged to become self-reliant: Dr. M. Shantarama Shetty
Mangaluru: In an effort to promote self-reliance among people with disabilities, a significant event was organized in Mangaluru on Sunday.
The 32nd annual day celebration, medical aid, and scholarship distribution program was organized by the Dakshina Kannada, Udupi District Differently Abled People's Association, Indian Red Cross Dakshina Kannada Branch and Mangaluru University Youth Red Cross Unit.
Dr. M. Shantarama Shetty, Co-Chancellor of Nitte University and a renowned physician, spoke on the importance of encouraging individuals with disabilities to become self-reliant. He stressed the need for collective efforts from society to provide permanent assistance to enable them to live independently.
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The program, which marked the association's three-decade-long commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities, was inaugurated by CA Shantarama Shetty, Chairman of Indian Red Cross Dakshina Kannada District Unit.
MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, speaking as the chief guest, lauded the association's efforts to integrate disabled individuals into mainstream society, alongside the support extended by organizations like the Red Cross.
Key figures including Dr. Ganapathy Gowda, Principal of Mangalore University College, Dr. KR, Chairman of Wenlock Red Cross Disability Cell, and Dr. Gayathri, Nodal Officer of Mangalore University Youth Red Cross Division, graced the event with their presence.
Dr. V. Muralidhar, President of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi District Differently Abled People's Association, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. General Secretary Jayaprakash provided details of the beneficiaries, and the ceremony concluded with guests assisting disabled individuals in completing the scholarship program. Dinmani Rao anchored the program and Nagesh Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.
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EC will leave no stone unturned to hold free, fair elections in West Bengal: CEC Kumar
New Delhi (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday asserted that the Election Commission will leave no stone unturned in holding free, fair and transparent polls in West Bengal where the first phase of voting is scheduled to be held on April 23.
Interacting with officials involved in poll management, the CEC said the elections will be fear-free, violence-free and intimidation-free.
Officials said the poll authority will ensure elections are also inducement-free and "booth jamming free".
No employee of the state government, local bodies or autonomous bodies will be allowed to influence the electoral process, they said.
The ruling TMC in the state has accused the EC of playing in the hands of the BJP, a charge vehemently rejected by the election watchdog.
The EC and the TMC have also been at loggerheads over the special intensive revision of voters' list with the party accusing the poll authority of deliberately disenfranchising voters to benefit the BJP. Both the EC and the BJP have rejected the charge while dubbing it as baseless.
The second phase of voting in West Bengal will be held on April 29 and votes will be counted on May 4.
