18/08/2026
Freedom is not merely a right, it is a responsibility to build a stronger, united and better India.
On 15th August 2026, Pathways Training and Placement Cell celebrated the 80th Independence Day with great pride and ebullience.
The program sparked with a sense of national pride as the dignitaries and volunteers respectfully stood for the national anthem. The volunteer sang a song with a melodious voice.
Prof. Manjunath, HOD of MBA Department, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta. The facilitator emphasized the critical role that young people play in the country's development. He accentuated that people frequently relocate for the pursuit of better opportunities and jobs. Then he urged every Indian's dream of living in a free nation forward. Later, he shared suggestions with volunteers to choose their leaders responsibly, true freedom takes on significance. Subsequently, he accomplished this by paying tribute to and remembering those who gave their lives in defense of the country's freedom.
Second-year volunteers presented the model called Missing Part of India Map. Ms. Madhu explained the strategic significance of the Siliguri Corridor for India and its geographical features, which are between 20-22 km long at the narrowest point and between 17-60 km wide. She stressed the significance of the corridor in uniting and securing the country and talked about what could happen if another country controlled the corridor. She also provided a short explanation about the historical background of the Siliguri Corridor.
Later, few volunteers shared their thoughts on the significance and spirit of Independence Day. Volunteers spoke on Bharat as a sacred land and spoke about India’s history from ancient times to independence. They talked about the arrival of the british in India, social discrimination based on women and gold and land in ancient times. They also recalled the celebrations in some part of West Bengal on 18th August. Finally, they stressed being responsible citizens, respecting others and keeping the environment clean.
Dr. Shubha Maravanthe, NSS program coordinator, Kuvempu University, Shivamogga. She started off by sharing her experience in that Siliguri corridor. Then she expressed her admiration for the model. She emphasized the idea of honoring the 80th anniversary of Indian independence. She also mentioned the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and Vikasith Bharat in 2047. She also underscored the responsibility Gen Z has to our society. She claims that everyone has two options such as preyaskara and shreyaskara. She pitches ideas everyone should choose Shreyaskara because it makes us honorable and responsible citizens of our country. Finally, she concluded India is more than just a map or a piece of history. She described India was a nation founded on accountability, sacrifice, equality and fraternity.
Prof. Giridhar Malnad, Director, Pathways Training and Placement Cell, Shivamogga. Firstly, he appreciated the model and shared insights on the Siliguri Corridor. He recapped the orations expressed by the volunteers and dignitaries. Moving forward, he stressed the importance of self-reliance and the modern responsibilities of Gen Z. Towards the end, he spoke about India’s economic growth and its improving position globally. He addressed major national problems such as poverty and the some facilities provided free of cost by government.
Prof. Krishnaswamy K, Principal, Sahyadri Science College. He began with the sacrifices made by thousands of people and leaders for the nation's freedom from the british. He emphasized responsible citizens' responsibility is protecting the country. Furthermore, he stated that true freedom is not just independence from the british according to him, liberation from inequality, injustice and unfair rights. He emphasized India's economic growth is evident through significant advancements in defense, science and technology, education and healthcare.
Overall, the program excelled under the guidance of Prof. Giridhar Malnad, Director, Pathways Training and Placement Cell.
The program was coordinated by Ms. Chandana G, Ms. Megha N, Mr. Mohammed Shamsheer and Ms. Akshatha.
