During a press conference on March 12, 2024, the mayor of Mangaluru city, Sudheer Shetty Kannur, announced the renaming of the road stretch from the Circuit House to Bejai circle after the late Padma Bhushan recipient politician, George Fernandes.
Mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur stated that while the official inauguration would occur after the elections, the government had approved the proposal without objections. He noted the persistent public demand for the renaming, supported by Richard Moras from the Konkani Writers Forum, expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh for promptly addressing the request.
Richard Moras, who spearheaded the campaign for the renaming, expressed satisfaction at the fulfillment of their longstanding wish. He emphasized George Fernandes’s significance to Mangalore, noting his contributions to the region’s development and national politics.
George Fernandes, known as a ‘Son of Mangalore Soil,’ was praised for his instrumental role in establishing prestigious institutions and transformative projects, including Father Muller Medical College Hospital and the Konkan Railways project. His dynamic leadership and fearless spirit earned him the nickname ‘Giant Killer’ after defeating seasoned politicians in electoral battles.
Born on June 3, 1930, in Bejai, George Fernandes passed away on January 29, 2019, at the age of 88 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Despite his national stature, Fernandes remained deeply connected to his roots, speaking proudly in his mother tongue, Konkani.
Richard Moras’s tireless efforts, supported by community leaders and politicians across party lines, eventually led to the successful implementation of the renaming campaign. The renaming of the road serves as a fitting tribute to a political icon who fearlessly championed the causes of the people.
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