Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 26: "Our country offers immense opportunities for achievement. People from all walks of life have the chance to grow, but strong willpower is essential. Only with determination can one succeed in life," said Dr U K Monu, founder president of Kanachur Group of Institutions.
He was speaking after being honored as the guest of honour at the Mangaluru Press Club on Wednesday. Recalling his journey, he said, "I always had the urge to work, and despite having limited formal education, I was able to achieve success."
"I wanted to work and earn from a young age, but my education was limited to the third standard. My father worked for the British government, and due to unavoidable circumstances, we faced poverty. During my childhood, I worked as a daily laborer, including tasks such as harvesting areca nuts and carrying loads. I even worked in the iron forging industry," he reminisced.
"I entered the business world in my teenage years and found success in the timber trade, eventually becoming one of the leading timber merchants in the state," he said.
Dr Monu emphasized that he always conducted business with integrity and respect for the law. He expanded his business to countries like Malaysia and Singapore. "Despite studying only up to the third standard, I learned multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Tamil. I have traveled to numerous countries," he added.
"While ensuring my children received quality education, I personally experienced several challenges in the education system. That pain motivated me to establish educational institutions in my hometown step by step. Eventually, my long-cherished dream of setting up a medical college came true. Now, I plan to establish engineering and dental colleges in the future," he revealed.
Speaking about politics, he said, "I was interested in politics and aspired to become an MLA. The opportunity was within reach, but after the demise of MLA U T Reedy, his son U T Khader entered politics. During his first tenure, I was impressed by his performance and decided not to contest against him. Today, Khader has brought great respect to our community through his political career," he said.
Senior journalist Hilary Crasta inaugurated the event. Mangaluru Press Club president P B Harish Rai presided over the function. Press Bhavan Trust president Ramakrishna R, journalists' association vice president Bhaskar Rai Katta, and press club general secretary Ibrahim Adkasthala were present. Press club secretary Pushparaj B N compered the event.