Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Jul 23: Dakshina Kannada Samastha Mogaveera Association in collaboration with various fishermen's organizations felicitated state minister for fisheries, sports and youth affairs Pramod Madhwaraj at Town Hall, here on Saturday July 23.
'Nadoja' Dr G Shankar inaugurated the occasion. Addressing the gathering he said, "People of the community should be united. Political parties also count on the community's strength at the time of elections. Pramod Madhwaraj is a person who hails from the fishermen's community and he knows their pain. He will surely help the community."
He urged the state minister to hold a summit with fisheries ministers from various states to discuss the problems of fishermen and fishing. He also recalled the contribution of J P Hegde to the community when he was MLC at that time.
On being felicitated, state minister Pramod Madhwaraj recalled the time when he was Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sabha leader. "When you sincerely work for society, the Almighty will always bless you. When I met AICC president Sonia Gandhi I promised that I will work sincerely for the betterment of society with a clean hand without any corruption. Irrespective of party, caste and community, I have been voted and hence I will sincerely work towards the betterment of all the people."
He further added that the sea has no border and there is no proper fishing policy. Besides, there is scarcity and hence in order to solve the problem, along with other states' fisheries ministers. "We will meet the PMO and bring about a universal fishing policy. There is no proper policy for sports in the state either, though the committee has been constituted for it. The study report has not been done, hence I will try earnestly to bring a sports policy for the development of society." he said.
Madhwaraj also added that MLA J R lobo also discussed the problem of the fish market in the city and he will look into the matter.
Dr M Mohan Alva speaking on the occasion said, "The fishermen's community is well known for their sacrifice, courage, simplicity and sincerity. We always respect their contributions to the society. When the various industries entered this undivided district, the fishermen's community faced the highest loss. Though they suffered, they supported and made sacrifices for the development of this land."
MLA Abhayachandra Jain said "For the first time in the political history of Karnataka, an MLA from the fisherman's community has got a portfolio for fisheries. Pramod Madhwaraj will always provide justice for the community. All MLAs in the district will support him and we are with him."
On the occasion Jain also brought to notice of Madhwaraj the demand for a shuttle court and cricket stadium which have been pending. Jain also stated that the CM had provided him this opportunity for three years without interfering in his department and had given him a free hand. "This time the opportunity has been given to the youth from the community of fishermen." Jain said.
State whip MLC Ivan D'Souza, MLA J R Lobo, MLA Moideen Bhava and Ajith Kumar Malady also spoke on the occasion.