Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Feb 7: N Vinaya Hegde, chancellor of Nitte University on Saturday February 7 inaugurated the International Bunts Welfare Trust in a befitting ceremony.

Sadananda Shetty, chairman of International Bunts Welfare Trust addressing the gathering said, "I thank and welcome all the dignitaries who have come to attend this function from here and abroad. The main objective of our trust is to help people who are in difficulties and give guidance to our youngsters.

"People say by forming this organization we are dividing the Bunt community but it is not true. We have formed this organization with the motto to serve people and we have great respect towards 'Maathru Sangha'. It is the parent body. There is no connection to 'Maathru Sangha' and this programme," Shetty said.

N Vinaya Hegde inaugurated the trust in a unique way by watering the coconut sapling. In his address, he said, "This trust has been started with the objective to help people in the community. Helping the needy is considered to be God's work, so I wish God blesses all the people who have undertaken this good task. Bunt community is very good because we do not differentiate between people or communities. I am thankful to god that I was born in this community. We have leadership quality and we take everyone together. On this dais I pledge that we will give free education to meritorious students who are not financially stable."

Arya Laxminarayana Alva, Kannada literary figure, launched the Trust's website and said, "Sadananda Shetty has started this organization and it has no liaison with any political party. A Christian priest and I have been running a school from past 50 years. In the same way, Sadananda Shetty is taking together people from all the communities to do good work. When we do good work, people will talk, but we should still continue the work."

District incharge minister Ramanath Rai said, "People trust us because we are honest. We have to maintain this honesty. It is true that Bunts have leadership quality. Bunts have their representation in all the political parties. We should remember our history, our ancestors and follow the same. We have to take everyone together. We have to help everyone and we are with this trust in all its endeavours."

U T Khadar, state minister for health and family welfare said, "Bunt community has given a lot to our district. Bunt community has represented our district throughout the world. I wish all the best in the future endeavours of this Trust."

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "We have to help people who are in need and this Trust has the same objective. I wish all the best and pray that almighty blesses them in all their endeavours."

Prashanth Shetty Mumbai of Chitra Mitra drew the picture of Nadoja Dr Kinhanna Rai. Sudhir Shetty, proprietor of Charisma Builders, Mumbai donated Rs 25 lac to the Trust.

Gurukiran, music director, Ivan D'souza, MLC, J R Lobo, MLA, Mangaluru South, Mohiuddin Bawa, MLA Mangaluru North, Mahabala Maarla, mayor, Monappa Bhandary, former MLC, A J Shetty and others were the dignitaries on the dais.