Daijiworld Media Network -Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Sep 18: Sri Narayanaguru Vichara Vedike (R) founder president Sathyajith Surathkal has expressed the need for establishing a corporation by the government to help in developing the Billava community educationally, economically and socially.
He was speaking to media persons after holding a meeting with various districts and taluk level office-bearers of the organisation at the Kudroli temple premises here on Sunday, September 18.
"The organisation was started last year in February. It is being expanded to various districts in the state. Organisation office-bearers from 10 districts attended today's annual meeting. The organisation will widen its base in Uttara Karnataka in the coming days," he added.
He also said that if the government never sets up a corporation, the organisation will stage a protest in the coming days.
Sathyajith Surathkal said if the government establishes a corporation and allocates Rs 500 crores it would be helpful for the community’s growth. Moreover, the demands put forth by the community include identifying them under Category 1 as against the present category 2A to avail reservation.
Even there was a demand to rename Mangaluru Central Railway Station after Narayanaguru. There was also a demand to rename Mangaluru Airport after Koti- Chennayya. But, he said it is unfortunate and painful that various governments that came to power have failed to meet the demands of the community. They have given only assurances, he added.
Surathkal also said that the chief minister, chief secretary or deputy commissioner did not attend the Narayana Guru Jayanthi held in Mangaluru although it was a programmme organised by the state government.
Also, he alleged that the state government had insulted Narayana Guru and the community without observing Jayanthi in the right manner.
Ministers Sunil Kumar and Kota Srinivas Poojary are continuing to mislead the people, he said.
He also said that the organisation will be expanded to various parts of the state. If the demands of the community are not met, a huge protest will be staged.