Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Jul 28: Newly-appointed Nagaland governor Padmanabha Acharya, who hails from Udupi, and Kavitha Acharya were felicitated by Sri Padmanabha Acharaya Nagarika Sanman Samiti at Sanghanikethan here on Monady July 28.
Addressing the gathering after the felicitation, governor Padmanabha Acharya said, "I am overwhelmed with joy and proud to belong to this region. North-eastern people are the link of intergreted India.
"RSS ideology and ABVP principles have inspired me. If a person is really inspired by this ideology, he can serve the society better. Each and everyone can do good, all we need is will. North-eastern states are the strength of this country. We should have better relationship with north-east people," he said.
"Adopt the north-east students for fellowship, provide them education, invite them for your family functions, which will help to foster good relationship. We are all Indians, no one is second grade. Today north-east is in danger. The north-east is facing threat from China. With its Communist ideology China has reached till Arunachal Pradesh. Roads are been constructed. Insurgent groups are being formed within the state. Thousands of Bangladesh migrants have filtered into India and our demograhy is in danger. It is all done very silently," he said.
"India needs strong and secure borders. The country is not surrounded by good neighbours," he added.
"People of north-east may be different in appearance, language, and food habits, but we are all Indians. We should respect them. There is unity in diversity. Attacks on them sends wrong signals," he said.
"Universities should start departments for tribal language studies. Though there have been great freedom fighters from the north-east, like Rani Gaidinliu, we do not know them. Every single person can do a lot to his village with a clear vision. Work with a road map, and you will reach your goal," he said.
"We should change our mindset. We are reason for the misery of those (north-east) people. Imbibe the nationalist ideology. A state like Meghalaya is blessed with good natural resources. North-east people are at the top when it comes to civilization," he added.
Vinay Hegde, chancellor of Nitte University said, "People of Dakshina Kannada accept and love everyone irrespective of caste, religion, and colour. People of north-east and we are all one. When there were attacks on north-east students in other parts of the country, no such incident was reported in Dakshina Kannada or Udupi district. We admire all kinds of people. Many educational institutions in Dakshina Kannada are providing education to north-east students."
MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, M Padmanabha Pai, correspondent of Canara Engineering College were present.
Dr MB Puranik, Mangalpadi Naresh Shenoy, Ganesh Rao Hundi, Prabha Kamath, Nagaraj Shetty, Dr Y Bharath Shetty, Krishna Palemar and others were present.