With the aim to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution of India, the Karnataka Government decided to organize “Samvidana Jatha” (Constitution Jatha) for a month from January 26, 2024 and the conference on ‘Constitution and Unity of India’. As part of the Constitution Awareness Jatha, the International Kite Festival-2024 was organized by Team Mangalore, in association with ONGC-MRPL. The event unfolded its vibrant spectacle on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Tannirbhavi Beach, as kite enthusiasts from various countries unleashed their dreams into the sky.
A total of 40 kite flyers, including thirteen representatives from eight foreign nations, graced the 7th edition of this two-day festival. The sky above Mangalore’s shore was adorned with a myriad of kites, ranging from whimsical characters like Octopus, cats, fish, to beloved cartoon figures such as ‘Incredible Hulk’ and ‘Tinkerbell’, also flanked by a 35-foot-long Kathakali kite made of cloth and an inflatable kite featuring Ganapathi. The festival also featured ‘stunt’ kites, mimicking aerial maneuvers akin to fighter jets, delighting both spectators and participants who joined in the kite-flying festivities with their children.
The event commenced with an official inauguration by Health and Family Welfare and Dakshina Kannada District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. He flew kites bearing flags symbolizing ‘Constitution Preamble’ and ‘Constitution Awareness Jatha’, and promoting awareness about our Indian Constitution. Mr. Rao was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner M. P. Mullai Muhilan and Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal.
The 33 NSS volunteers of Canara College, along with Mrs. M. Keerthana Bhat, NSS Programme Officer participated in the Jatha that raised awareness among the masses about our Constitution and also upheld the values enshrined in it- Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. And the volunteers created awareness about our Constitution among the masses gathered. Commemorating the important day on which the Constitution of India was formally adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949, and which later came into effect on 26th January 1950, Mr. Rao recognized the invaluable contribution of the Father of Indian Constitution–Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The Preamble to the Indian Constitution was also read out to mark the occasion.
Embarking on a transformative journey, the Constitution Awareness Jatha strived to accomplish constitutional enlightenment and celebrate the progress we, as a nation, have made so far, and also work ahead to shape a harmonious future.
Report by,
Mrs. Seema Prabhu S.
Mrs. M. Keerthana Bhat
