Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Apr 19: “Communities will progress when development is achieved in social, educational, economic, religious and political sectors,” said former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake.

“Brahmashree Narayanaguru had thought of uniting not only Billavas but the entire global community. He has conducted spiritual programmes in more than 80 temples besides Gokarnanatha temple. The educational institutes founded by him those days have become world class universities now."

Vinay Kumar Sorake was speaking after inaugurating a felicitation programme held by Billava Samaja Seva Sangha at Narayanaguru Kalyana Mantapa, here, on Sunday.

“Nobody can snatch away education. Only education has the capacity to dispel poverty. Opportunities should be created for the evolution of knowledge among children. Social organizations should work for their aim and missions. Communities will grow if progress is achieved in social, educational, economic, religious and political sectors. Organizations should not be like running water and not stagnant water. Youth in the future should receive leadership opportunities. The ideals of Koti – Chennayya, the heroes of Tulu land should be memorable for us,” he said.

“Billavas are identified as Billavas, Edigas and Namadharis in Karnataka. They are known as Tia in Kerala, Goudar in Andhra, Nadavar in Tamil Nadu, Bhandary in Goa, Gupthas in north India and in various other names in the country. They are offering substantial service in defence, medical, technology, education, entrepreneurship, politics and other sectors. They should come out from the notion that they are only meant to extract toddy. The community should have the intention to make their community grow with love and trust with other communities.”

Billava Seva Samaja president, Ashok Poojary Beejady presided over the programme. Former MLA K Gopal Poojary, entrepreneur Govinda Babu Poojary, Billava Seva Sangha vice president Bhasker Billava, Rama Poojary, Narayanaguru Yuvaka Mandala president Srinath Poojary Kaddimane, Billava ladies unit president Shashikala Bijoor were present.

Bhasker Billava, Vijaya S Poojary, Mahendra Kumar Poojary, Jyothi Udayakumar Poojary, Shekar Poojary Huncharabettu, K P Shekar Poojary, Vishwanath Poojary Garadimane and Billava community gram panchayat members who were victorious in the recent gram panchayat elections were congratulated by former Byndoor MLA K Gopala Poojary.

Ganesh Poojary Vittalavadi welcomed the gathering. Bhasker Vittalavadi compered the programme.

“Politics is separate. There should not be jealousy against people doing good work. Kota Srinivas Poojary working as a state cabinet minister is a creative minister. Though ministers have the opportunities to be district-in-charge ministers of their own district, Poojary has not got that opportunity,” said Vinay Kumar Sorake.