Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 18: Deputy commissioner (DC) Mullai Muhilan was transferred on June 17 after serving in Dakshina Kannada (DK) for two years, marking the end of a highly impactful tenure.
During his two-year service in Dakshina Kannada, Mullai Muhilan earned a reputation as a no-nonsense officer, yet one who was highly approachable and responsive to the public. Known for addressing issues promptly and actively listening to people, he became a beloved figure in the district.
Mullai Muhilan was especially popular among schoolchildren, who fondly referred to him as the ‘Chutti DC’ for declaring school holidays during the monsoon season. His compassionate and proactive approach made him one of the most admired DCs in recent times.
As a visionary leader, Mullai Muhilan worked to bring about transformative changes in Dakshina Kannada, focusing on making the district more vibrant and progressive. His tenure saw the implementation of numerous events and projects aimed at the district's growth and development. Notably, he was the first DC to take charge at the newly constructed DC office in Padil.
Reflecting on his time in Dakshina Kannada, the outgoing DC shared, "Dakshina Kannada will always remain close to my heart. My two-year tenure here has been extremely satisfying, both professionally and personally. During my time, I gained the respect, support, and love of the people. The opportunity to implement various projects has been truly rewarding."
He continued, “I take pride in the progress we made together, such as resolving the plotting issues, launching the new swimming pool, inaugurating the new DC office, organizing the vibrant Karavali Utsava, and improving healthcare facilities under the Smart City initiative. These milestones were made possible thanks to the collaboration and support of public organizations and the people of Dakshina Kannada.”
When asked about his favourite cuisine, Mullai Muhilan revealed his fondness for Golibaje, a popular local dish. He also spoke about the many beautiful places in Dakshina Kannada that hold a special place in his heart, mentioning Shashihitlu, where he enjoys stand-up surfing, and the scenic Tannirbhavi stretch as some of his favourite spots.
On the topic of schoolchildren, who will miss him due to his reputation as the ‘Chutti DC’, he reflected, "The decision to give holidays was not always easy, but it was always made with the children's safety in mind. I often had to wait from 11 pm to 5 am to assess the situation, gather feedback, and make an informed decision. Ensuring the safety of students was always a priority, and I gave more holidays to children.”
Mullai Muhilan also praised Mangaluru for its rich diversity, culture, and potential for tourism. "Mangaluru is a beautiful city, full of talent and cultural richness. It is a place that I hold dear. For an outsider, the impact of Mangaluru is unforgettable. It becomes a part of you, and I will carry a piece of this city with me forever."
He concluded, “I will truly miss Mangaluru, but I will definitely keep coming back. This place has made a lasting impact on me, and I will always have a connection to it.”
Darshan K V will be the new DC of Dakshina Kannada, while Mullai Muhilan has been transferred to Bengaluru as the inspector general of registration and commissioner of stamps.