'Stick to principles of freedom fighters to achieve development'

District in-charge minister H C Mahadevappa said, at a time when the nation is facing various challenges, even as we celebrate the 71st Independence Day, the principles propounded by our freedom fighters would serve as a guiding light for achieving development.

He was speaking after hoisting the National Flag at the Torch Light Parade Grounds in Bannimantap, here, on Tuesday. “If we strive unitedly, by following the principles of our freedom fighters, days are not far when we become the most developed nation in the world.

Our aim is to build a strong nation, which can withstand the threat of any nation,” he said.
Recalling the history of the freedom movement, Mahadevappa said, it is important to recall the sacrifice of our forefathers, who have laid down their lives and those who had spent most of their lifetime inside jails.

“Our freedom movement was a long struggle from the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny, up to 1947. Starting from Mangal Pande, thousands of people have laid their lives to realise the dream of India.

There have been difference of opinion about the ideologies and the means of struggle. However, everybody’s concerted efforts were to break away from the colonial rulers,” he said.

“People of all age, caste, creed and faith have fought for freedom. With Mahatma Gandhi taking the centre-stage, the struggle of Congress got a new lease of life. The movement gave a new weapon to the world, Ahimsa or non-violence. The Constitution has played a major role in keeping the spirit of democracy alive for these 70 long years and further. Having seen the collapse of various democracies across the globe, we should be thankful to the foresight of the framers of our Constitution,” Mahadevappa said.