Purushothama Bilimale, former Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University’s School of Language, Literature, and Culture Studies, emphasized the significant contributions of Christian missionaries to the growth of Coastal Karnataka during a state-level conference in Mangaluru.

Speaking on ‘Karavali Kattida Bage,’ Bilimale credited the Basel Mission for establishing the first printing press, schools, and promoting education, especially for underprivileged students.

Christian missionaries were instrumental in founding the Government Wenlock Hospital and the first Municipality in Mangaluru, contributing to infrastructure development and the cashew industry.

Bilimale praised their transformative impact on the coastal region’s growth, highlighting the rich history through the works of various stalwarts and organizations.

The region, known as the cradle of banking, saw the founding of Canara Bank, Corporation Bank, Karnataka Bank, Syndicate Bank, and Vijaya Bank, creating employment opportunities. Despite historical contributions, Bilimale expressed regret over the region’s current association with communal issues.

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