Mangaluru: The state government has decided to establish a Malnad Tourism Corporation to attract more tourists from across India and abroad and promote the immense tourism potential of Coastal Karnataka, District in-charge Minister and Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader said on Saturday.

Speaking after hoisting the national flag at the 80th Independence Day celebrations organised by the district administration at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru, Khader said concerted efforts were needed to showcase the coastal region and its attractions to visitors from across the globe.

He said Wenlock District Hospital in Mangaluru would be developed in phases at a cost of Rs 100 crore and transformed into a model hospital for the region.

Under the government hospital adoption programme, private medical colleges will be encouraged to provide human resources to Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres, helping strengthen healthcare delivery across the state, he said.

Khader also announced that Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas would be established in all gram panchayats and urban local bodies across Karnataka to encourage young people to participate in social service and nation-building activities.

The state government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for the programme, with each Sangha eligible for a grant of up to Rs 10 lakh, he said.

Highlighting the contribution of farmers to the country’s food security, Khader said the government had introduced several initiatives to support the agriculture sector. Under the Raitha Mitra/Badavara Bandhu programme, small farmers owning up to one hectare of land are being provided a 50 per cent concession on agricultural machinery rental charges.

The government is also working towards building a drug-free and hatred-free Karnataka through the Rise Karnataka campaign, which aims to create awareness among youngsters about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promote social harmony.

Under the Tegada Siri scheme, landowners adjoining government land will be encouraged to grow valuable trees, including teak. The landowners will receive 70 per cent of the revenue generated from the sale of the trees, he said.

Khader said patriotism was not merely about loving one’s country but also about respecting every citizen.

“The message of every religion is essentially the same. Religion should not become a sword that hurts another person’s mind or body. Instead, it should be like medicine that heals wounds and a balm that promotes harmony,” he said.

Recalling his own school days, Khader urged students to see themselves as the architects of India’s future and develop the ambition to achieve greater heights over the next 10 to 15 years.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Vijayakranthi led the parade, which featured various contingents. The Sevadal students contingent of Mullakadu Government Primary School won the first-place rolling shield for its performance, while the Scouts boys’ team of SDM School secured second place.

The family of Irene D’Souza, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a road accident in February and donated her organs, was also honoured during the programme.

Students from various schools presented cultural programmes as part of the Independence Day celebrations held at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall.