Suttur, August 15, 2026: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at the JSS Institutions Complex, Suttur.
Hoisting the National Flag and addressing the gathering, Shri Shivaraju, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mysuru, said that India attained independence through the immense sacrifices and selfless struggle of countless freedom fighters. Remembering the ideals and contributions of these great personalities is the foremost duty of every citizen, he said.
He observed that the progress of the nation today largely rests in the hands of students and the youth. Appreciating the educational environment at Suttur, he said that the institution’s efforts to provide education to students from different parts of the country in a secular and inclusive spirit are in harmony with the ideals of India’s freedom movement.
“Youth power is essential for the development of the country. The nation can progress only when scientific and technical education is made accessible to everyone,” he said.
Speaking as the chief guest, Prof. G.B. Shivaraju, retired professor and Trustee of the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust, Indore, said that India’s knowledge traditions, culture and moral values are unparalleled.
Referring to former United States President John F. Kennedy’s warning about the devastating consequences of war, he said humanity must work towards peace and harmony. Today’s youth should understand the true value of freedom and contribute to nation-building with honesty, commitment and efficiency, he said.
Prof. Shivaraju stressed that remembering the sacrifices and values of previous generations is essential for building a better future for the generations to come. Recalling the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, he said that freedom achieved at the cost of truth cannot be regarded as genuine freedom, as abandoning truth ultimately weakens the nation.
He described the freedom fighters as selfless individuals who dedicated their very lives and every breath to the cause of the country rather than to their own interests. He also recalled the observation attributed to Arnold that solutions to many of the world’s problems could be found through the Indian path, particularly the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi.
Addressing the gathering, Shri G.L. Tripurantaka, Assistant Administrator, JSS Institutions, Suttur, said that although today’s youth are becoming increasingly educated, education should also develop wisdom, social responsibility and a strong sense of patriotism.
He emphasised the importance of encouraging Swadeshi products, maintaining cleanliness and cultivating purity of thought. The younger generation has a responsibility to preserve India’s valuable cultural heritage and carry it forward without allowing it to diminish, he said.
He further observed that India’s ability to maintain unity despite its immense diversity is a matter of great pride.
Institutional heads Shri Veerabhadraiah, Shri M. Rajashekaramurthy, Shri G. Shivamallu, Shri M.G. Basavanna, Shri G.M. Shadakshari, Shri G. Shivaswamy, Shri Mahadevprasad and Smt. Sushila, among others, were present on the occasion.
As part of the celebrations, students delivered speeches in Kannada, English and Hindi highlighting the significance of Independence Day.
The school’s NCC Air Wing and Army Wing cadets, Scouts and Guides, and band teams participated in an impressive ceremonial procession and presented a salute to the dignitaries. This was followed by colourful cultural programmes and a captivating Mallakhamb performance.
The programme began with a prayer by the school students. Mrs. K.S. Mamata welcomed the gathering, Mrs. Vidyambhu proposed the vote of thanks, and Mrs. K.M. Bindu conducted the proceedings.
