Modern history hasn't seen a head of state so volatile, uncivil: Deve Gowda hits out at Trump
New Delhi, Aug 1 (PTI): Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on Friday launched a scathing attack on US President Donald Trump over his remarks on India, calling him the most "volatile, uncivil and irresponsible" head of state in modern history.
In a statement, the JD(S) leader said he was "surprised" by Trump's "baseless and ill-tempered remarks" on India and the Indian economy, and accused the US President of behaving badly not just with India but "with every other country across the world".
"I don't think modern history has seen another head of state who has been so volatile, uncivil and irresponsible. Mr Trump has not just behaved badly with India, but with every other country across the world. He has not spared his own longstanding allies," Deve Gowda said.
The 92-year-old leader suggested there was "something fundamentally wrong" with Trump that "reason, diplomacy or statecraft" could not address, but said he would not elaborate further as it would mean "lowering our own standards".
"Even a small trader and a poor farmer in India, who conducts his business with great dignity, integrity and humanity, can teach many lessons to Mr Trump," he said.
Deve Gowda praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for standing firm against Trump's "bullying".
"I am very happy and proud that India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has not compromised our national interest. It has not blinked to Mr Trump's bullying and has shown that it will never be dictated by threat," he said.
He lauded the Modi government for going "the full length" to protect the agricultural sector and small and medium businesses, "on which more than half the nation's population is dependent".
Deve Gowda said the government's "firm stand" would lead to "national resurgence of an unprecedented scale".
Responding to Trump's characterisation of India's economy as "dead", the former prime minister said: "India has been the fastest growing economy and is the fifth largest economy in the globe. Mr Trump must either be blind or ill-informed to designate our economy as 'dead'."
He emphasised that India is "a sovereign nation that is diverse and democratic" and has "always acted in supreme national interest" since Independence, with the "God-given ability and strength to negotiate all difficulties that come its way and emerge stronger".
In a sharp rebuke to some Opposition leaders, Deve Gowda warned those who had "rejoiced" Trump's statements and "jumped to be his deluded spokespersons in India".
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Mangaluru’s Karavali Utsava is back; Cultural, beach events lined up, here’s the complete schedule
Mangaluru: This year’s Karavali Utsava will commence on December 20, with a wide range of cultural, adventure, and tourism-focused programs planned across Mangaluru and other parts of the Dakshina Kannada district, Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. said.
He was speaking while presiding over a Karavali Utsava preparedness review meeting held at the District Commissioner’s office.
The main event will be held at the Karavali Utsava grounds in the city. In an effort to promote beach tourism, special programs will be organised at six beaches across the district, which include Panambur, Ullal, Someshwara, Sasihitlu, Tannirbhavi, and the Blue Flag Beach.
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Outlining the schedule, the Deputy Commissioner said adventure sports will be held at Sasihitlu Beach, while a wine, cheese, and cake festival will take place at the Tannirbhavi Blue Flag Beach.
A music festival and triathlon are planned at Tannirbhavi Beach. Football, volleyball and other sports events will be organised at Ullal Beach, cultural programs at Panambur Beach, and a music evening and yoga program at Someshwara Beach.
In addition, food festivals featuring a variety of local and regional cuisines will be held at all beaches. The Kala Parba program and a flower and floriculture exhibition will be organised at Kadri Park, while a film festival is also planned in Mangaluru city.
A football tournament will be held at Nehru Maidan on December 27 and 28, and special programs will be organised at Pilikula Nisargadhama. To attract tourists, helicopter joyrides have also been arranged, the Deputy Commissioner said.
The review meeting was attended by Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narvade Vinayak Karbari, Mangaluru Deputy Divisional Officer Meenakshi Arya, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mithun H.N., Deputy Conservator of Forests Antony Mariappa, and other officials.
