Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, May 23: In a grand ceremony attended by eminent dignitaries, political leaders, industrialists, educationists and community representatives, the newly constructed Palemar Convention Centre at Maryhill on Airport Road was inaugurated on Saturday, May 23, adding a major new landmark to the city’s social and event infrastructure.
The convention centre was inaugurated by S. Abdul Nazeer, who attended the event as chief guest. Guests of honour included union minister V Somanna, Speaker U T Khader, MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, MLAs Y Bharath Shetty, D Vedavyas Kamath, Umanath Kotian and MLC Ivan D'Souza, along with several other prominent personalities from various sectors.
The project is the vision of Krishna J Palemar, chairman of the Land Links Group and former Karnataka minister, who conceptualised the facility as a world-class venue aimed at promoting social welfare, cultural harmony and community engagement.
Addressing the gathering, several dignitaries lauded Krishna J Palemar’s contribution to community development and described the initiative as a model of socially responsible entrepreneurship. Speakers noted that projects of this scale strengthen social infrastructure while creating opportunities for cultural programmes, educational activities, exhibitions, job fairs and welfare initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, union minister V Somanna praised Palemar’s vision and commitment towards society. “True success is achieved through commitment, leadership and a determination to serve people,” he said, adding that convention centres should evolve into platforms for innovation, community development and nation-building that create opportunities for future generations.
In his address, Krishna J Palemar said the project had been established with the noble intention of giving back to society. Emphasising the importance of education, empowerment and social welfare, he remarked that the happiness of families benefiting from welfare initiatives, particularly mass marriages and public service programmes, remained the greatest reward for his efforts.
Chief guest S Abdul Nazeer congratulated Krishna J Palemar and the Vikaas Education Trust for their contributions to society. He expressed confidence that the convention centre would emerge as a premier destination for weddings, conferences and social events in the coastal belt, while also underscoring the importance of education and empowering future generations through community-oriented initiatives.
A major highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the felicitation of academic achievers under the banner of the Vikaas Education Trust. The initiative aimed to recognise educational excellence and encourage young achievers to contribute towards the development of society and the nation.
The newly inaugurated facility features a state-of-the-art indoor auditorium, spacious guest rooms, dedicated prayer facilities and extensive parking arrangements. Organisers also announced the upcoming “Green Valley” outdoor venue, which will offer a large open-air space for hosting major events.
The project forms part of a broader vision comprising four event destinations — Palemar Convention Centre at Maryhill, Palemar Garden at Morgan’s Gate, Palemar Farms near Surathkal and Netravathi Sabhabhavan at Jeppinamogaru — each designed to cater to a wide range of social, cultural, religious and corporate events.
A notable aspect of the initiative is its emphasis on social service. Organisers announced that the facilities would also be made available, subject to regulations, for mass marriages and public welfare programmes, reflecting the institution’s philosophy of serving people irrespective of caste, religion or economic background.
The project is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy by generating employment and self-employment opportunities in sectors such as event management, catering, decoration, photography, hospitality and allied services.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a call for greater public participation in educational, cultural and welfare activities, with speakers describing the initiative not merely as a convention facility, but as a meaningful step towards inclusive growth, social harmony and regional development.