Mangaluru: For the past 11 years, 71-year-old Mohandas Bhat Surathkal of Ulepady near Mulki has been carrying the national flag to homes, schools and shops in villages around the region ahead of Independence Day, with the aim of fostering patriotism and creating a national festival atmosphere in every household.Mohandas Bhat Surathkal is a priest and trustee of the Shree Durgaparameshwari Mahamayi Temple in Ulepady near Mulki.Mohandas, who launched the initiative in his native Ulepady village in 2016, said what began as a small effort has gradually expanded to nearly 10 villages in and around Mulki. Despite age-related health issues, he continues the campaign every year along with his wife.This year’s campaign commenced on Thursday with the distribution of national flags and sweets to students of two schools in Guthkadu near Kinnigoli.Over the years, the initiative has covered Ulepady (2016), Balakunje (2017), Kukkate (2018), Shanthi Palke (2019), Karnire (2020), Kateel (2021), Gidikere (2022), Kanguri (2023), Thalipady (2024) and Ullenje (2025).He said that more than 2,000 flags have been distributed through the initiative so far, covering households across nearly 10 villages.Mohandas said he earlier carried out door-to-door distribution on a large scale but has now reduced the practice due to health concerns.Explaining the inspiration behind the initiative, Mohandas said his father, Upendra Variyar, had participated in the freedom movement and frequently spoke to him about the struggle for Independence during his childhood.These stories instilled a deep sense of patriotism in him and motivated him to undertake activities related to national awareness.He said the idea of distributing flags to every household took shape in 2016 when he noticed that only a few people participated in flag-hoisting ceremonies.“We felt every house should celebrate Independence Day and display the national flag,” he said.The initiative, according to him, started even before the Union govt’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative started in 2022.He spends around Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 annually on the initiative.“People should know the value of the national flag. Patriotism should not be limited to public programmes alone. A national festival atmosphere should reach every household. Families should celebrate together, share sweets and proudly display the tricolour,” he said.Mohandas, who describes himself as a Gandhian, said Gandhian values continue to be relevant in contemporary society, particularly at a time when communal tensions, conflicts and corruption remain concerns.
