Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 11: Minister for fisheries, youth services and sports and district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj laid the foundation stone for the auditorium of Udupi Rural Bunts association at Kuntalnagar, here. He was chief guest for the function.
Addressing the gathering Pramod said, “Udupi is a formation of people of various castes, but no community has progressed as much as the Bunt have. At the time of implementing Land Reformation Act, Bunts have sacrificed their land without any agitation. They have come up after this by their own efforts.”
“I will try my best to allot the money as soon as possible for this project. An auditorium is a symbol of pride and strength."
Ashok Kumar Shetty, president of the auditorium construction and development committee in his introductory speech thanked minister Pramod Madhwaraj, MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake and MLC Ivan D’Souza for helping the association in obtaining Rs 1 crore grant from the state government toward the project.
Another chief guest, Kaup MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake said, “I am happy that this project is taking place in my constituency. On this occasion every Bunt should remember late Sunder Ram Shetty founder of Vijaya Bank. He has helped the Bunt community to prosper in all ways.”
Udupi Rural Bunts association was established in 1991 with the aim to unite, promote and preserve the rich culture and history of the Bunt community. The area under the organistion comprises of Bailoor, Korangrapady, Chitpady, Kukkikatte, Manipura, Kuntalnagar, Moodubelle and surrounding villages.
This project consists of an auditorium, infrastructure development, parking space and other amenities. Total estimated cost of the project is Rs 3.5 crore. Karnataka state government has allotted Rs 1 crore for the project. The project will be ready for inauguration by December 2018.
K Prakash Shetty, chairman of MRG Group Bengaluru was honored and awarded 'Bunta Ratna' award on the occasion, for his success in entrepreneurship.
Malady Ajith Kumar Rai, Jayakar Shetty Indrali, Uday Kumar Shetty, Mattar Rathnakar Hegde, Dheeraj Shetty Ninjoor, Belapu Deviprasad Shetty and other Bunt leaders were present at the function.