Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Apr 3: Amrit Paul, inspector general of police (western range), on Thursday April 2 inaugurated an open conclave ‘Bandhavya’ and launched 'Vishwa Buntara Mahiti Kosha', a questionnaire for the information directory being compiled by the Buntara Yane Nadavara Mathr Sangha.
Addressing the gathering at Bunts Hostel here, Amrit Paul said, "The Bunts community has made immense contributions to the field of education. The community’s Bunts Hostel not only benefited the community but also helped other sections of society. During the 18th century, the people of the community were less educated. Later, they realized the importance of education and ensured the education of their future generations."
He added, "Though the community was scattered in various parts of the world for livelihood, the Bunts never forgot the culture of the land. If culture is lost, then you lose the strength to progress." The IGP stressed that they should unite to work for society and the downtrodden.
"Whenever the people of the community faced challenges they never stepped back but accepted the challenge, and this has led to their success. During hard times, people of the community migrated to Mumbai. Today, there are more than 12,000 hotels in Mumbai owned by the people of the Bunts community," he said.
Maladi Ajith Kumar Rai, president, Buntara Yane Nadavara Mathr Sangha (R) DK, said, “When there was no proper connectivity, our forefathers travelled across the districts to unite and provide education to the community and protect the culture of this land.”
He also said, "This information directory will help us understand the status of people in the community. This directory is mainly used for seeking relevant information on education, employment, matrimonial help, medical aid, blood and organ donation, distress help, business guidance, and guidance on various matters related to the community. Representatives will approach the homes and collect information for the directory.”
"We should unite to strengthen the nation. We should strive to wipe the tears of the poor," he added.
A J Shetty of A J Institute, Karnikere Vishwanatha Shetty, president, Mumbai Bunt Sangha, Dr M Mohan Alva, Alva’s Education Institute, Dr Naresh Shetty, Bangalore Bunts Association, and Sham N Shetty, president, Mumbai Bunts Association, were present on this occasion.
On the occasion, financial assistance was offered to challenged individuals while the Prathibha Puraskar and felicitation was also offered to achievers. Kavu Hemanath Shetty welcomed. K Manmohan Shetty was present on this occasion.