The Hindu

MANGALORE, Apr 17: The foundation stone for a convention hall and medical centre of Mogaveera Vyavasthapaka Mandali, Mumbai, will be laid at Mukka near here on Sunday.

The district unit of the mandali is also organising a two-day convention for youth belonging to the Mogaveera (fishermen) community in Dakshina Kannada from Saturday. Union Minister of State for Labour Oscar Fernandes will inaugurate the convention.

The president of the district unit Vasudev Boloor told presspersons here on Wednesday that the organisation which was set up 106 years ago in the then Bombay had maintained a close relationship with members of the community here. The parent organisation had decided to stop its activities in Mumbai and concentrate full time on proposed development activities in the coastal districts of Karnataka

The centre will be set up in 3.43 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.5 crore. While the convention hall and medical centre will come up in the first phase, Mr. Boloor said a technical training institute will come up in the second phase. There are also plans to construct a hostel and other allied facilities for students of the institute, Mr. Boloor added.

Referring to the convention, he said the aim was to instil leadership qualities in the youth. More than 1,500 delegates are expected to attend the event. Mr. Boloor said the former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had agreed to lay the foundation stone but he could not be present.