Daijiworld News Network - Mumbai
Report and pics from Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, April 17: It was the diamond jubilee celebration for one of the strongest and most active communities from Tulunadu of South Kanara, which was marked by the inauguration of the extended and renovated Billawa Bhavan in Mumbai.
The community's service, dedication and sacrifice were recognized in Mumbai when chief minister of Maharashtra Vilasrao Deshmukh sanctioned three acres of land and a Rs 10-lac gratn for the Billawa Association of Mumbai. It was a true reward for the dedicated service of the Association to the society over the past 75 years.
"Completing of 75 yeard by any association in itself is a great achievement. It is celebration time for not only Billawas in Mumbai but the entire community members of Tulunadu. The Billawa community is indeed a role model for any organizations in Maharastara," said CM Deshmukh in his address.
It was a touching gesture of the chief minister that though it was not relevant to the occasion, he took the opportunity to wish a happy Easter to the Christian community of Mumbai.
Billawa community's proud son, a prominent Mangalorean, former deputy finance mister of state at the Rajiv Gandhi government, and sitting member of Rajya Sabha Janaradhana Poojary was the chief guest at the event.Speaking on the occasion he congratulated the office-bearers and members of the association for their tremendous achievement.
Former office bearers of Billawa association Y Nagesh, Jayanthi Varada Ullal, R P Anchan couple and Vasanthi Salian couple were felicitated for their contribution to the community and association.
The prominent guests of the event were state Minister in Vilasrao government and another Mangalorean Suresh Shetty, former minister Prof Javed Khan, former minister Kripa Shankar Singh, MLAs Gopal Shetty and Jagannath Shetty, former MP Vinay Kumar Sorake of Udupi and BJP leader Vinod Tavde.
A special invitee to the event was Bollywood actor and MP Govinda.
Earlier, president of the association Jaya Suvarna welcomed the gathering. An entertainment programe was presented by the members.
The renovated Bhavan is indeed a great achievement on the part of the community.