Mysuru: Parts of Old Mysuru and Malnad regions marked the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour on Saturday with the district headquarters witnessing official celebrations, and schools, colleges, organisations and people’s groups organising flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, social service activities and health camps.In Mysuru, district minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah hoisted the national flag and received the guard of honour. Students presented cultural programmes showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity.In Chamarajanagar, district minister C. Puttarangashetty hoisted the tricolour and called on people to protect the country’s unity and diversity.In Chikkamagaluru, district minister KJ George hoisted the national flag. He announced plans for an international-standard ropeway connecting Mullayyanagiri, Seethalayyanagiri and Kaimara under a public-private partnership model to boost tourism. The project was announced in the 2026-27 State Budget, and the process of selecting a transaction adviser is under way. George said projects worth Rs.466 crore were also approved and urged elected representatives and officials to work together to make Chikkamagaluru a model district.Shivamogga witnessed a grand celebration at Nehru Stadium, where primary and secondary education minister Madhu Bangarappa unfurled the national flag in the presence of over 10,000 schoolchildren and public. The programme featured Vande Mataram, the national anthem performed by District Reserve Police personnel and state anthem rendered by students of Sarvodaya School. Tricolour balloons were released, while Bangarappa paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, inspected the parade and received the guard of honour from 29 contingents, including KSRP, KSIF and NCC.In Mandya, district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy announced major development initiatives. He said more than Rs.1,360 crore had been sanctioned for canal infrastructure, while Rs 60 crore was approved for upgrading the historic MySugar factory. Another Rs 325 crore has been sanctioned under the Chief Minister’s Infrastructure Development Scheme. He said the district also received approvals for power infrastructure, healthcare facilities, drinking-water projects and Shramika residential schools. “Govt has prepared contingency crop plans amid rainfall deficiency and allocated Rs 26 crore to modernise 13 Raitha Samparka Kendras. Pandavapura is being developed as a fully organic taluk,” he added.In Kodagu, agriculture minister and district minister PM Narendra Swamy hoisted the national flag at the Fort premises in Madikeri. He called for transforming agriculture into a new economy, integrating value addition, processing, branding, exports and tourism. He stressed the need to strengthen Kodagu coffee’s global identity and develop coffee and cultural tourism. He also called for finding scientific solutions to climate change, erratic rainfall, price fluctuations and human-wildlife conflicts.
