Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, May 29: Konkani Bhas Ani Sanskriti Prathistan has taken an initiative to unveil a statue of Ullal Srinivas Mallya, hailed as the founder of modern Mangaluru, at Padil circle in the outskirts of the city and rename the circle after him. The foundation will obtain concurrence of the city corporation for the project costing about Rs 15 lac and rename the circle as Ulal Srinivas Mallya Circle Padil Mangaluru.

Mallya's statues already stand at NITK Suratkal, Padua junction, and some other places. But the statue to be installed at Padil will be bigger than these. Moreover, installation of the statue at a circle located adjacent to national highway is sure to attract more attention.

A beautiful garden will also be situated at Padil Junction for which compound wall has been constructed. The foundation plans to plant different flower plants at the onset of monsoon. The foundation also will maintain the garden. The circle is triangular in shape and electric lighting will illuminate the statue even at night.

Mallya saw to it that the city got Akashvani station at a time when radio stations were set up only in select cities. Because of the interest he evinced, the city got an airport very early. Trains and other communication systems, KREC (current NITK Suratkal), New Mangalore Port, as well as Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers factory were set up under his leadership.

President of the foundation, Basti Vaman Shenoy, said that the statue of Mallya is being installed at Padil Circle to keep memories of a great leader of his stature alive even for the next generation. He said that the project will be dedicated to the world in the presence of dignitaries soon.