Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Nov 22: "Konkani Kharvi is a hard working community which thrives on its basic principles. Hindu Society in the country has survived due to communities such as the Konkani Kharvi community which promotes principles of Hinduism. I provided Rs 100 crore for the development of backward class communities when I was the chief minister. Rs one crore was provided for Konkani Kharvi Samaja Bhavan in response to the demands of Konkani Kharvi community leaders. Funds from the government and from the donors have been used excellently. The beautiful full-fledged auditorium is a testimony to this," said union minister and former chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda.
He was speaking after inaugurating Konkani Kharvi educational and cultural auditorium ‘Konkani Bhavan’ built by Akhila Bharata Konkani Kharvi Mahajana Sabha near Trasi, Kundapur at a cost of Rs ten crore.
"I am aware of the problems of the Konkani Kharvi community. All should unite and try to solve them. Karnataka state should be made kerosene-free to prevent pollution. I have written to the state government about it. But problems may arise over providing kerosene to country boats. Discussions should be held with the union government in this connection to find a solution. Parties blaming one another and playing with the lives of people should stop. There are separate forums for politics," Gowda opined.
"I am prepared to hold discussions with union ministers and officials to solve CRZ issues. Quarrels between union and state governments are useless. The NITI Aayog chaired by the Prime Minister and consisting of chief ministers of all the states has been formed to openly share the problems of the states. Chief ministers in the meeting of NITI Aayog should discuss the problems of their states and look for solutions. The state received Rs 75,000 crore in the 13th Finance Commission, and is receiving Rs 2,12,000 crore during 2015-2020. The union government is providing more funds to the states," he said.
Manipal Global Education chairman T V Mohandas Pai, inaugurating the auditorium, said members of Kharvi community who live in the seas are heroes. "They should give up the feeling that they are backward and believe that they are a forward community. We are not slaves. It is our right to ask the government what we need. The union government provides a subsidy of Rs 250 lac. All should make use of the money to construct houses and toilets in each house. They should try to provide education and obtain scholarships for their children. They should exert pressure on the government for drinking water, electricity, roads and other basic needs. There should be no poverty or poor in the community in next five years. The community will receive all the possible help for its development,” he said.
Udupi district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj speaking after releasing Konkani Kharvi survey edition said that community hall is an indication of self-respect and development in the community. "Kharvi community is bold and sincere. Government is especially concerned about the community. BJP government has provided Rs one crore and the Siddaramaiah-led government has provided one crore for the auditorium. I will get another Rs 50 lac released. We have increased diesel subsidy to 247 litres. Kerosene is provided at subsidized rates as against the union government's orders. A delegation will be taken to union minister Sadananda Gowda urging continuous supply of kerosene," he said.
D V Sadananda Gowda and T V Mohandas Pai were felicitated on the occasion. Konkani Kharvi census writer Dr Ravindra Rao and donors who helped in the construction of the building were also felicitated.
Akhila Bharata Konkani Kharvi Mahajana Sabha president K B Kharvi presided. Former minister K Jayaprakash Hedge, MLA K Gopal Poojary, Haladi Srinivas Shetty and Mankala Subba Vaidya conveyed their best wishes. MLA Sathish Sail released the magazine and conveyed his best wishes.
MLA Srinivas Shetty, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi fisheries federation president Yashpal Suvarna, Syndicate bank Udupi zonal general manager Sathish Kamath, Mangaluru Vishwa Konkani Kendra president Basti Vaman Shenoy, Hosadu grama panchayat president Chandrashekar Poojary, Trasi grama panchayat president Venkat Poojary, Pradeep G Pai, treasurer Ravi T Naik and others were present.
Vasanth Kharvi Bhatkal welcomed. Senior president Mohan Banavalikar gave a key note address. Bindu Khrishna Kharvi and Prashanth Hegde Honnavar compered the programme. Chief secretary Umanath Gangolli proposed vote of thanks.