By Shodhan Prasad
Dubai, Oct 8: Dr Devid Frank Fernandes, managing director of Mosaco Shipping, has been appointed as the international vice president of Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti (JSKPPS), a 23-year-old NGO based in Mumbai and Coastal Karnataka. The announcement came during an 'Environmental Awareness' meeting hosted by the Karnataka Sangha Dubai, led by President Shashidhar Nagarajappa.
The event, which took place on October 7 at the Banquet Hall of Fortune Atrium Hotel in Karama, Dubai, witnessed the gathering of presidents, executive members of various Karnataka associations, businessmen, and environmental awareness supporters.
During the event, Dharmapal Devadiga, former president of JSKPPS and president of Vishwa Devadiga Sangha, and D R Raju, JSKPPS Udupi/Mangaluru district chairman and former president of Karkala Billawa Samaja Seva Sangha, were felicitated with shawls by Karnataka Sangha Dubai.
Dharmapal Devadiga spoke about the formation of JSKPPS in the year 2000, emphasizing how it brought together 29 community organizations to address environmental issues. He recounted their successful efforts to save the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) from closure, allowing over 11,000 workers to retain their jobs. He also highlighted their involvement in various environmental initiatives and their expansion from Mumbai to Karnataka's coastal districts.
Dr Devid Frank Fernandes expressed gratitude for his appointment as international vice president and stressed the importance of global collaboration to address environmental concerns. He pledged support for the organization's mission and its impact on future generations.
Praveen Shetty of NRI Forum commended JSKPPS's efforts to establish an international branch and highlighted the need for similar environmental initiatives in India.
In his concluding speech, Shashidhar Nagarajappa, president of Karnataka Sangha Dubai, affirmed the Sangha's commitment to support environmental initiatives led by JSKPPS.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Nagaraj Rao, the treasurer of Karnataka Sangha Dubai, followed by light refreshments.