Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 2: M Mohandas Pai (76), founder of Hotel Diana that takes credit for introducing some of the north Indian delicacies which till then, were unknown in this part of the state to the people and made an imprint of its own and succeeded in creating a customer-following for itself, breathed his last on Sunday February 1,due to cardiac arrest. He was also heading several institutions and organizations.

Pai had been admitted to the hospital recently. Hotel Diana, started by him in the year 1962 in a small way, saw a leap in business after it was expanded in 1980. The hotel was also into catering. This hotel was the pioneer of the concept of Family Restaurant in the district and it is known for maintaining its quality and taste intact since its inception.

Pai was the managing administrator of Malpe Sri Durparameshwari temple and worked as the vice president and honorary president of the famous  'Rangabhoomi', amateur theatre organization from here. He had also worked as the president and honorary president of Udupi Hotel Owners Association.  He was also an active Lions member and represented the hotel sector at the Lions meet held in USA in 1973.

M Mohandas Pai is survived by wife, a son and three daughters.

Home minister Dr V S Acharya, MLA Raghupati Bhat, ex-minister Vasant Salian, Udupi municipal council president Dinkar Shetty and scores of others have paid rich tributes to Pai and condoled his death.