Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 5: Welcoming guests with flower bouquets is a common protocol followed in many programmes. Setting a new trend is Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty, who is asking organisers to replace his flower bouquets and garlands with notebooks.
On the occasion of the Kulai Jetty foundation stone laying ceremony, Shetty was seen receiving a bundle of books while being welcomed by the organisers at the formal programme held at Jawaharlal Nehru Centenary Hall in New Mangalore Port, Panambur.
When Daijiworld questioned him about the unique practice, Shetty said he has directed his PA to convey message to the organisers of the programmes to gift him books instead of flowers.
“I am invited to different programmes and mostly people welcome me with flowers and mementoes. However, these flowers go waste and so is the money that is spent on them. However, books can be used by needy students,” the MLA points out.
Doing the math, the MLA says he sometimes attends up to 10 programmes. “In each programme if I receive 3 books it will be 30 at the end of the day and 900 a month. These I can give to deserving students and hence help them in their education, which will ultimately benefit the society,” he says.
The NMPT programme is the beginning of his unique campaign and the MLA is elated that he received 5 books. “There is a huge demand for books. I shall identify needy students, government schools and divide books accordingly,” he says.