Mysuru unites for Tiranga Yatra to honour armed forces

Time of India

17-05-2025

: In a remarkable display of unity and patriotism, Mysuru witnessed an overwhelming response to the
held on Friday. The event was organised to celebrate the success of
and pay heartfelt tributes to the Indian armed forces.
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The yatra began after paying tribute to Field Marshal Cariappa at Metropole Junction and passed through the city's prominent thoroughfares, including Shivarampet, Chikka Gadiyara, and Devaraj Urs Road, before returning to its starting point. The rally saw the participation of hundreds of students, ex-servicemen, citizens, and representatives from various religious and social organisations, underlining a united spirit beyond political or communal lines.
The initiative was led by
, who emphasised the apolitical nature of the march. "This yatra had no party affiliations. It was solely to thank our brave soldiers for their extraordinary service during Operation Sindoor," he said. He added, "India has always stood for peace, but Operation Sindoor proves that we are equally prepared to defend our sovereignty when provoked. This mission was a testament to our strength, undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"
Prominent religious leaders, including Suttur Mutt seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami and Avadootha Datta Peeta seer Ganapathi Sachidananda Swami, Adichunchanagiri Mutt's Somanatheshwara Swami, Chinmayananda Swami, Rev Bernard Moras, apostolic administrator of the Mysore Diocese, and Maulana Riyaz Khader Baba, attended the event. The Suttur seer urged citizens to remember soldiers in their daily prayers and lauded India's strong message during the operation.
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Ganapathi Sachidananda Swami, recalling his meeting with Field Marshal Cariappa in the 1960s, spoke about the sacrifices made by soldiers. "When Yaduveer came and invited me for the yatra, I was having leg pain, but I called Suttur seer to see whether he could hold me during the yatra. Suttur Seer, without a second thought, assured all sorts of help, but the spirit of the event gave me strength. Seeing the turnout here has renewed my energy," he said.
"We must salute our armed personnel for safeguarding the nation," he added.
Seventy-nine-year-old Balasubramanya, an ex-serviceman (Indian Air Force between 1964-79) who served during the India-Pakistan war in 1965 and the India-Bangladesh war in 1971, said: "The Indian govt gave a befitting reply to those involved in terror activities. Though India is a peace-loving country, it proved that when it comes to the safety and security of the country, there will be no compromise."
Political leaders such as Krishnaraja MLA TS Srivatsa, JD(S) MLC CN Manjegowda, former MP Pratap Simmha, and former MLA L Nagendra also walked in solidarity. Alongside them were thousands of ordinary citizens, college students, ex-servicemen, and members of different organisations, including BJP workers.