Udupi: Min Hebbalkar asks citizens to support govt plan to development tourism in coastal districts

Republic Day celebrations held at St. Mary’s Island

Vartha Bharati | 26-01-2026 | 17:20:00 IST

Udupi: District In-charge Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar said that the government was planning to develop tourism in the entire coastal belt in a new manner, including the various islands in Udupi district, as it will draw tourists to not only the coastal district and the state but the entire country.

The minister, who spoke after hoisting the flag at St Mary’s Island during the 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday, said that the 116 islands in Karnataka, including St Mary’s Island, had been neglected by the administration so far.

“We have failed in utilizing the wonderful resources in these islands. A day-long conference was held in Mangaluru recently to discuss development of tourism in coastal Karnataka, with the Chief Minister, Deputy CM, representatives of all coastal districts and officers concerned attending the conference,” she added.

Hebbalkar called upon the people to support the government in its venture and asked for suggestions and guidance from the people to ensure tourism in the coastal district is successful.

She expressed pride in getting an opportunity to hoist the national flag at the largest island in Karnataka, and reminisced, “When I first arrived here, I inspected the 11 boats that were a part of the Coast Guard force. The experience was thrilling and unforgettable.”

Citing various forces that guard the coast, citizens who work as informers, and volunteers who clean beaches, among others, Hebbalkar called them the true patriots and heroes of the nation as they strive for the welfare and security of the nation sidelining their own safety. “However, please pay attention to your safety while fulfilling your duties diligently,” she requested them.

MLC Channaraj Hattiholi, Karavali Development Board President MA Gafur, District Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee President Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, Deputy Commissioner TK Swaroopa, Zilla Panchayat CEO Prathik Bayal, Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar and others were present on the occasion.

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77th Republic Day celebrated at Bearys Knowledge Campus in Mangaluru

26-01-2026 ¦ 26-01-2026 IST

Mangaluru: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated at Bearys Knowledge Campus (BKC), Innoli, Mangaluru, on Monday, January 26, 2026, with the participation of faculty members, staff, and students.

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. S. I. Manjur Basha, Director, Bearys Group of Institutions. In his address, he explained the importance of Republic Day and spoke about the role of educational institutions in shaping responsible and disciplined citizens.

The National Flag was unfurled by the Chief Guest, Dr. Sanjith S. Anchan, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, The National Institute of Engineering, Mysore. Addressing the gathering, he spoke about the values enshrined in the Constitution of India and highlighted the responsibility of the youth in nation building.

The celebration was attended by Dr. C. Kamalakannan, Principal, Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT); Ar. Khalil Razaak Shaikh, Principal, Bearys Environment Architecture Design School (BEADS); Dr. Aziz Mustafa, Principal, Bearys Institute of Emerging Sciences (BIES); and Prof. Prithviraj M, Director, Bearys Polytechnic. Faculty members, staff, and students from BIT, BEADS, BIES, BITPT, and BIPUC were also present.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Abdul Latheef, Principal, Bearys Independent Pre-University College (BIPUC), who expressed his gratitude to the management, the chief guest, dignitaries, faculty members, staff, and students for their support and cooperation.