Mangalore : Dadi Jankiji Inaugurates Super Mall 'City Centre'
Daijiworld Media Network - FR
Pics by Dayananda Kukkaje
Mangalore, April 25 : The much-awaited Mangalore’s destination mall “City Centre” which is said to open up new vistas of shopping, entertainment and leisure in Mangalore was inaugurated amidst much fanfare today. The inauguration was done by 94- year old Rajayogini Mahatapaswini Dadi Jankiji, Chief of Brahma Kumaris, World Headquarter, Mount Abu, thus giving a spiritual connotation to the gala event. Minister for Ports and Environment and District-in-charge Minister Krishna J Palemar and Nitte University Chancellor N Vinaya Hegde were the chief guests on the occasion.
The inauguration was done by the lighting of the traditional lamp by the guests on the dais. Belying her age Dadi Jankiji stood up to give her speech and blessed the mall. She stated that she will take happiness with her when she leaves from here. “Happiness is something that cannot be stolen and easily taken way. I have come to shop here and will be taking purity, peace, love, happiness and power when I go back. This mall will be like a light house, a tower of peace which will give energy and light to all those who come under its shadow”, she stated. Beginning her speech with the chanting of “Om Shanthi” Dadi Jankiji went on to say that in order to have peace people must develop patience, tolerance and courage. Where there is love there is peace and happiness”.
Minister Krishna Palemar while congratulating Mohtisham and land owner Usha Shetty for gifting this wonderful new destination mall to the people of Mangalore, sought the co-operation of the people in taking Mangalore to further heights of development. “The intelligent people of our district should not allow frivolous issues to deter the growth of the city by putting forward unnecessary obstacles on the path of development”. His government he said had introduced “Akrama Sakrama” to set right the violations by paying a certain amount of penalty.
He also said that credit should go to Mohtisham for introducing the ‘apartment culture’ in the city of Mangalore and also for being in the forefront in creating necessary infrastructure that has accelerated the development of Mangalore. He also stated that the inauguration of this latest destination mall has given a new thrust to the development of Mangalore, which is emerging as the 2nd fastest growing Tier II city in the country.
With the introduction of new people-friendly Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), there is a new thrust on the development process of Mangalore, Palemar stated. He called upon the builders not to go for violations and follow the rules when it comes to construction activities. He also pointed out that his government has introduced many changes such as simplifying the obtaining of environmental clearance from the present one to 5 years for red industries and only one clearance for green industries. The government however, will, monitor the working of these industries so that they violate the environment norms, rules and regulations. He also stated that steps are afoot to reduce the density of population by making a city out of a city so that the infrastructure of the district does not get over crowded.
The minister delineated the scope offered for promoting tourism in the district saying the district offers immense opportunities for the development of tourism and invited people to render their valuable help in promoting tourism as an industry.
Chancellor of Nitte University N Vinaya Hegde said it was his privilege to participate in the inaugural function of the mall as he has witnessed the growth of the area for the last 50 years having lived in its vicinity. He said Subbayya Nayak (founder of hotel Woodside and Vishwa Bhavan) was his role model as far as development is concerned. “He was a visionary who, without having formal education could visualize and set up tile industry and luxury hotels 50 years back which is truly mindboggling”, he pointed out.
Hegde pointed out that every city or state has its own trendsetters. “Mohtisham has been the trendsetter as far as development of Mangalore is concerned. They have given a new concept which will take Mangalore beyond the development witnessed in Dubai”, he stated. He commended Mohtisham for giving top priority for safety factor in the new mall.
Earlier the guests were given a traditional welcome to the venue. In her welcome address Giselle Mehta stated the City Centre will usher in a new lifestyle change in the people of Mangalore.
Managing director of Mohtisham S M Arshad who gave a brief account of the making of the India’s 10th largest mall and Karnataka’s 2nd largest mall and the facilities therein stated that the new mall will cater to the needs of the budget customers and high-end customers. He also said that 60% of the shops will be opened by the end of May and by August the multiplex will be open to the public. He also announced that “City Centre” has generated 2700 direct employment and 1500 indirect employment. “Mohtisham has completed 40 projects and 2 malls. We will provide a new thrust to the development of Mangalore by going in for a new 300-acre township called “Celebrations” in Mangalore”, he said amidst roaring applause from the audience.
Mayor Rajani Dugganna, Dy Mayor Rajendra Kumar, MP and former state BJP President V Sadananda Gowda, MP Naveen Kumar Kateel, MLA Abhayachandra Jain, former MUDA Chairman Dr Madhava Bhandary, B A Moideen, Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen, Raghunath Kini, Sudhir Shety, Giselle Mehta and D B Mehta were present on the dais. The guests were felicitated with flowers and mementos.
S M Savood presented the vote of thanks.
There was a festive mood in the mall which is decorated to grab eyeballs. A gala entertainment function is arranged in the in the evening to co-inside with the inauguration.
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