Minister Ramanath Rai interacts with Mangaloreans in Doha
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Feb 13: The enthusiastic Mangaloreans who had gathered in the Ashoka Hall at ICC premises on Wednesday February 12 had an opportunity to meet and interact with Karnataka minister for forest and ecology and Dakshina Kannada district incharge Ramanath Rai.
It was the first-ever visit by a Karnataka minister to Doha Qatar. Ramanath Rai was on a private visit, courtesy Kasaragod District Expatriate Association-Qatar.
The interaction with the minister on Wednesday was organized by Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ) along with other Karnataka Associations in Qatar.
The evening began with an introduction by compere of the evening Divakar Poojary, followed by a welcome address by KSQ president Deepak Shetty. Later, presidents of various Associations such as Karnataka Sangha, Tulu Koota Qatar, MCC, Bunts Qatar, KMCA, Billawas Qatar, Kundapur Muslim Welfare Association, and South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association escorted Ramanath Rai and KPCC minority cell general secretary and Central Coir Board member T M Shaied to the dais. All the guests were welcomed with bouquets by KSQ children. Bunts Qatar president Ravi Shetty then presented a brief profile of Ramanath Rai to the gathering.
He was felicitated with a shawl and 'Mysore Peta' also presented with a memento by representatives of each of the Associations present.
It was then the turn of Ramanath Rai to address the gathering. Speaking in Kannada, he expressed his happiness on being the first minister from Karnataka to visit Qatar and lauded the unity of Kannadiga expats in Qatar. He then placed before the gathering his plans for Mangalore in particular and undivided Dakshina Kannada in general. He spoke on developing modern infrastructure including construction of better national and state highways which would boost connectivity.
He further said that he was a leader since his days as a student, when he was president of student Congress, Youth Congress, district Congress, as MLA and now district incharge and forest minister. Further, he humbly added that he may not have mega projects to show to his credit but he served the political field with sincerity and honesty, maintaining a clean image, and this is why people of all communities elected him six times as MLA.
Thereafter, he discussed his plans and visions with the gathering, listened to their opinions and assured to implement all that he has planned.
KPCC minority cell general secretary T M Shaied in his address thanked all Kannadigas in Qatar for their contribution to the country by making sacrifices such as leaving their families back home. He requested everyone not to support any communal agendas and urged them to unitedly fight against anti-social elements and build a strong India.
Later a question and answer session was held wherein the gathering was given a chance to discuss various issues with the minister.
To a question on extending the runway at Mangalore International Airport for which land is yet to acquired, he said, "Once the land is acquired, the runway will be extended and wide-bodied aircraft will then be able to land at Mangalore airport without any safety issues. But this is a lengthy and costly process and will take some time,” he added.
A specific query was raised about the proposed ultra mega power plant at Niddodi, to which Ramanath Rai said that the project will never happen and hence there was no need to discuss it either.
On being asked to comment on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), he said, "Some people promise many things when they are not in power, but when they come into power they try to escape from responsibility."
For a question on forest and animal protection, he replied, "A couple of years back there were only 3,000 elephants in Karnataka whereas today there are more than 6,000. However, expanse of forest has remained the same.
Further he said the present government has introduced a new scheme wherein those installing solar fence for their land will get 50 percent of the total cost from the government.
On the controversial Yettinahole project, he said the Karnataka government has studied the case and assured that diversion of Netravati river would not have impact on Dakshina Kannada.
Over 200 office-bearers and members from various associations such as Karnataka Sangha, Tulu Koota Qatar MCC, KMCA, SKMWA, KMWA, Billawa Sangha and others attend the gathering.
Abdulla Monu proposed the vote of thanks. Snacks and tea were served to the gathering.