Bhatkal: Bhatkal celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour on Saturday, along with the rest of Uttara Kannada district. While district in-charge minister Laxman Savadi hoisted the national flag at the district headquarters in Karwar, Assistant Commissioner J. Mahesh led the celebrations in Bhatkal.

The main function in Bhatkal was held at the taluk stadium, with MLA and former district in-charge minister Mankal Vaidya presiding. Similar programmes were organised at schools, colleges, madrasas, government offices and social organisations across the taluk, with tributes paid to freedom fighters.

For the first time, Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen organised a joint Independence Day programme for students of its high schools and colleges at the Islamia Anglo-Urdu High School ground. Anjuman president Yunus Kazia hoisted the national flag and urged teachers to prepare students for competitive examinations, including UPSC and NEET, while encouraging students and parents to make use of educational facilities provided by Anjuman.

Addressing the gathering in Karwar, Savadi said the government had set a 100-day target to accelerate administration and development, with emphasis on farmers, youth and infrastructure. He also said steps were being taken to fill vacancies in government departments transparently and prevent irregularities in recruitment examinations.

In Bhatkal, Mahesh highlighted the town’s tradition of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence, noting that Kannada, Konkani, Nawayathi and Urdu are among the languages spoken locally. He said the coexistence of different faiths and cultures reflects the constitutional values of fraternity. He also stressed the need to protect Bhatkal’s coastal environment and the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

Mankal Vaidya said around ₹800 crore had been allocated to the Bhatkal Assembly constituency over the past three years, benefiting poor and ordinary people through various government schemes. Expressing concern over drug abuse among youth, he said strict action had been ordered against those involved in the illegal drug trade, irrespective of their influence.

Meritorious SSLC and PUC students were felicitated during the celebrations. Bhatkal PSI Naveen Naik, who was awarded the Chief Minister’s Medal, and Head Constable Deepak Naik, who was awarded the DG-IGP Commendation Gold Medal, were also honoured. Police personnel and school and college students participated in ceremonial parades.