Media Release
Dubai, Nov 7 : M R Vasudeva, who retired as chief of Mangalore International Airport on October 31, arrived at Dubai International Airport, terminal two on Wednesday November 7 noon, to attend 'Karnataka Rajyotsava' event to be organized by leading Kannada association of UAE Karnataka Sangha on Friday, November 9.
M R Vasudeva was welcomed by Karnataka Sangha office-bearers and Rajesh Sequeira, co-ordinator of Karnataka NRI Forum, UAE
Under the leadership of its dynamic president Girish Shetty, Karnataka Sangha is hosting a unique event this year to mark Rajyotsava. Udupi-Chikmaglur Lok Sabha MP J P Hegde and former CM of Karnataka H D Kumaraswamy will also attend the event as guests.
M R Vasudeva who hails from Dakshina Kannada has worked at different levels of central government departments including labour and employment, before joining the aviation department.
In the year 2000, M R Vasudeva became director of Mangalore Airport and was instrumental in campaigning for direct international flights to Mangalore. During his tenure as director he had successfully implemented second run-way, taxi-way, security facilities, beautification of Airport premises, housing for airport employees, ISO 9001 certification for Airport, best fire fighter unit award for airport, and others are his noted achievements.
Just before retirement, Mangalore Airport was officially declared an international airport.
Soon after retirement several organizations in Mangalore honoured him for his selfless service.
Karnataka Sangha Dubai became the first international organization to invite him and recognise his service to the people of coastal Karnataka.
"I have immense satisfaction about my entire career's service, especially in Mangalore. I have received tremendous support from the media, particularly from daijiworld during our campaign for the first international flight, getting international status etc. I am grateful to Karnataka Sangha for inviting me even after my retirement," said Vasudeva after his arrival at the Dubai airport.
J P Hegde, popular MP from Udupi - Chikmaglur will also be felicitated for his efforts in putting pressure on the central government to grant international status to Mangalore Airport. He will be arriving on Friday morning.
Entertainment
Karnataka Sangha has planned a mega entertainment event to mark Karnataka Rajyotsava. Popular Sandalwood actor Darshan, whose newly released movie 'Sangolli Rayanna' became a superhit around Karnataka and is still running houseful all over the state, will be making a special appearance during the event and has already arrived. Madhuri, former 'Miss Karnataka' and popular Sandalwood acress will also perform during the event, and so also Arun Sagar, another actor who is known for his mimicry skills.
A special attraction will be Dashavatara Bale dance by Pushpanjali Natya Academy team, Bangalore, and other dances and entertainment events by local artistes.
The event has already generated tremendous response. Al Faris Dubai and Brigade group of Bangalore are the main sponsors for the event. Zafarullah Khan is the Platinum Sponsor for the event. Entry is free.
Sangha president Girish Shetty, speaking to daijiworld said that Karnataka Sangha feels proud to invite distinguished guests and honour personalities who have worked for the development of the coastal region. Pointing out the efforts of J P Hegde and Vasudeva towards Mangalore airport, he said, "Our initiative will surely encourage many more people to work hard and bring about development in the coastal cities."
Win Prizes
Apart from distingished guests and entertainment, Karnataka Rajyostava event will also have attractive prizes and goodies for participants.
An 8-gram gold coin is up for grabs in the free raffle draw, while main sponsor Brigade will be offering a one night stay at 5-star Sheraton Hotel in Brigade Gateway, Bangalore.
Also, the superhit, audio album of superhit Kannada movie 'Sangolli Rayanna' will be given away to the first 200 persons among the audience who enter the auditorium first.
So be there at the venue on time and reserve your seat before it gets jam-packed!
For further details contact:
Vice-president: K R Tantry 050 6599375
General secretary: Daya Kirodian 050 7855649
Entertainment secretary: Chandrashekar Sankole 055 2122003
