Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Dec 30: “Devadiga is a community that is closer to God in terms of love and devotion.  If the community arranges for a site for a community hall, necessary finance will be provided from the MP’s funds”, said MP B Y Raghavendra.

MP Raghavendra, son of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, was speaking at 'Devadiga Vaibhava' programme held by Blue Star Cricket Club and Devadiga Sangha at J N R Kalamandira, Byndoor here on Saturday December 28.

B S Sherigar, retired chancellor of Kuvempu University inaugurated the programme and said that youth is the essence of society and awareness of society and tradition is necessary among them.  The Devadiga community which has the history of thousands of years has been growing, taking giant steps in the spheres of politics and employment, he said.

Former minister of housing P G R Sindhya spoke and said that social organizations should not spend time in celebrations but indulge in programmes for the development of the society.  Ambedkar set aside reservations for the backward classes in the constitution in order to bring them into mainstream.  It is sad that it has not been implemented even after sixty years.  He said that 65% of the people in the country are backward and only 27% of them have got reservation.  However in Tamilnadu the reservation is 69%.  It is necessary to change the constitution in order to increase the reservation, he said.

B G Mohandas, former president of Dubai Karnataka Sangha, who presided over the programme spoke and said that even though the Devadiga community is termed as a backward community, it is coming up due to its unity.  It should however progress in politics and draw the attention of politicians by working together.  The community should identify the priorities of the society and work towards them, he said.

Byndoor MLA K Gopala Poojary, former president of Mumbai Devadiga Sangha, H Mohandas, Vice president of state Devadiga Sangha Vaman Maroli, Raghuram Devadiga, senior drama artiste Girish Byndoor, former taluk panchayat member K Bhaskar Devadiga, Mumbai Devadiga sangha president Vasu Devadiga, former zilla panchayat vice president Raju Devadiga, Sharada M D Bijoor, Zilla panchayat member Gauri Devadiga, Taluk panchayat member Gauri Devadiga Bijoor, Sunder Moily, Manipal University assistant professor Raghavendra G, KRSSS Bank former director Ramachandra Devadiga, Karkal Devadiga sangha president Laxminarayana Devadiga, Hari Devadiga, Dubai businessman Sheena Devadiga, Nagayya Devadiga, Honna Devadiga, Padmanabha Devadiga and Nityananda Devadiga were present.

Mulki Jayananda Devadiga, drama artiste B Madhava Rao, B G Mohandas, Yakshagana artiste Gunapala Udupi and Veni Maroli Suresh Devadiga Padukone were felicitated during the programme.  More than 50 talented students were awarded scholarships.  Several cultural competition programmes were held for the community after the main programme.

K Narayana Devadiga gave a key note address.  Chandra Devadiga welcomed.  Janardhana Devadiga compered the programme and proposed vote of thanks.