Martyrs’ Day was observed with devotion in Madikeri recently by the District Administration, Municipal Council, Kannada and Culture Department, and Sarvodaya Samiti.
The ashes of Mahatma Gandhiji, preserved at the district treasury in the District Administration Building, were brought out and paid homage with floral tributes. Under the leadership of the District Administration and Sarvodaya Samiti, the ashes were taken in a procession through the city’s main roads to Mangerira Muthanna Circle and General K.S. Thimmaiah Circle and placed near the Gandhi Mantapa. Floral tributes were offered with full police honours.
Sub-Inspector H.B. Ganesh of the Police Reserve Force and his team paid homage by firing a three-round salute. A silent vigil was observed thereafter, and the police band rendered the national anthem.
An interfaith prayer meeting followed, during which Gandhiji’s favourite bhajan was sung by students of St. Michael’s School and Crescent School under the leadership of Maithili Rao. Readings from the Bhagavad Gita (Santosh Bhat), Bible (Sagaya Mary), and Quran (Isaac Ahmed) were delivered by representatives of different faiths.
Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya said that Martyrs’ Day holds special significance as it commemorates Mahatma Gandhiji’s life of service and sacrifice. She noted that Gandhiji secured India’s freedom through non-violence and truth and emphasized justice, religion, and the welfare of all.
District Superintendent of Police Bindu Mani urged citizens to follow Gandhiji’s ideals and ensure that his message reaches future generations.
T.P. Ramesh, immediate past President of Sarvodaya Samiti, said that Martyrs’ Day processions have been organized in Kodagu district for the past 68 years. He informed that Gandhiji’s ashes would be permanently housed after the completion of the Gandhi Memorial Park and appealed to the government to release additional funds for the project.
Sarvodaya Samiti General Secretary Munir Ahmed said Gandhiji’s philosophy of peace, unity, equality, and brotherhood should be reflected in daily life.
Sarvodaya Samiti President Ambekallu Kushalappa, Municipal Council President P. Kalavathi, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy President Mahesh Nachaiah, Kodagu Janapada Parishad President B.G. Ananthashayana, Scouts and Guides officials, municipal officers, police officials, and members of various organizations were present.
