Mangaluru: The World Konkani Center organized a tribute to Late Ullal Srinivas Mallya, the man who developed the city of Mangaluru back in the early days of Indian democracy. On the 51st death anniversary of U S Mallya, Konkani speakers expressed their pride in having a visionary for Mangaluru on the occasion.
President of World Konkani Center and dedicated promoter of Konkani tradition in the world, Basti Vaman Shenoy gave a brief history of the life and times of U S Mallya. He said, “When Mallya was the Chief Whip of legislative council, he did not speak much but he brought in developmental activities in Mangaluru. Our city has become what it is now, all thanks to his enthusiasm in bringing the best projects here.”
Speaking on the occasion, was an admirer of U S Mallya as well as the Chancellor of NITTE University, Vinay Hegde. He said, “Back in Mallya’s days there were absolutely no party politics and he was a friend of people from all other parties as well. In the present day, we need people like U S Mallya who will see the nation as one and go beyond party politics.”
“U S Mallya has brought a number of developmental projects to Mangaluru. For instance, the airport, Hassan-Mangaluru railway line, port, National Institute of Technology and many more were directed to the city by him. He is not an individual but he is an institution”, Vinay Hegde added.
“We are lucky to have had such a visionary from our town. U S Mallya had strived hard for the development of Mangaluru. In order to create awareness about his work in younger generation, we must introduce text books on his life to school children”, said K Harinath, Mayor of Mangaluru City Corporation.
World Konkani Center had recently conducted an essay competition for school children on a book based on U S Mallya’s achievements. The winners were awarded at the occasion.
