A preliminary meeting was held under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya to discuss preparations for the birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa on January 28 and Martyrs’ Day on January 30. Speaking at the meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office hall, the Additional Deputy Commissioner instructed the Assistant Director of the Kannada and Culture Department to organize the birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the country’s first Army Commander, in a dignified and systematic manner. He suggested organizing essay and painting competitions on the life of Field Marshal Cariappa for school and college students.
He further directed that students from Sainik School, Scouts and Guides, and NCC units be invited, and that statues of prominent personalities in the city be decorated with flowers. Programmes should be organized near the statue of Field Marshal Cariappa, and all necessary arrangements, including inviting dignitaries, should be made efficiently.
The A D C also instructed officials to ensure proper arrangements for police band tributes and the playing of the National Anthem. Â Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy President Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah assured full cooperation for the successful conduct of the birth anniversary celebrations.
 Speaking on the occasion, Principal Commissioner of Scouts and Guides K.T. Baby Mathew called upon the public to actively participate in the Jayanti celebrations and said that Field Marshal Cariappa’s contributions to the nation’s military history should always be remembered.
Regarding Martyrs’ Day on January 30, Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya said that the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi would be taken out from the district treasury, adorned with flowers, given special worship, and paid tribute with a police band. A procession will then be taken from the District Administration Building to General Thimmaiah Circle, followed by an interfaith prayer meeting at Gandhi Mantapa. After the tribute, the ashes will be safely returned to the district treasury. He instructed the Kannada and Culture Department to manage the programme systematically.
District Chief Commissioner of Scouts and Guides K.T. Baby Mathew expressed concern that the work on the Gandhi Memorial Park had been halted midway. He said that although Rs. 50 lakh had earlier been released and an additional Rs. 55 lakh sanctioned, progress had not been achieved despite proposals being submitted. Assistant Director of the Kannada and Culture Department Kumar stated that proposals for fund release had been submitted and that MLAs were making continuous efforts, with the possibility of funds being sanctioned in the upcoming budget.
Sarvodaya Committee President Ambekallu Kushalappa, Chotteyanda Sanju Kawerappa, Joint Director of the Sainik Welfare Department B.R. Shetty, Kanehitlu Monnappa, Tahsildar Sridhara, Omkareshwara Temple Administrator Devaraju, Ambekallu Naveen, Scouts and Guides representative Jimmy Sequeira, Municipal Council member Nisha, and others offered suggestions during the meeting.
