CM to inaugurate Billava Union centenary in Mangalore on Feb 12

Mangalore, February 6: The All India Billava's Union , Kudroli will launch its centenary year celebrations on February 12 at 10 AM in Town Hall.

The foundation laying ceremony of a Billava's Hostel will also be held on the same day. The programme will be inaugurated by Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda.

Dakshina Kannada district incharge minister Krishna J Palemar, Udupi District incharge minister Dr V S Acharya, Member of Parliament Nalin Kumar Kateel, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly N Yogish Bhat, Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes, former ministers and eminent personalities from the Billava community from India and abroad will be present on the occasion. The function will be presided over by the union President Naveen Chandra Suvarna.

Briefing presspersons on the one-day event, Mr. Suvarna said the hostel building will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore at a one acre land at Kunjathbail given by the Government. “We have asked for grants from the government but it is still not finalized. The hostel will be for both girls and boys of our community,” he said.

In 1912 seniors from the Billava community formed the Billava union to protect the interests of the community. Bringing about social reformation in those days , Brahmashri Narayan Guru guided the formation of the union at Kudroli. The union has been selflessly rendering social service over the last 100 years and has taken up a number of projects in the interest of the society. Today in Dakshina Kannada numerous billava associations , guru mandirs and union halls have come up in the name of the union which has inspired growth.

The All India Billava Union encourages students to pursue education and every year in the name of Late Damodar R Suvarna it gives scholarships to eligible students. In the same way, they are also encouraging many social programmes and guiding the community in the right direction, Mr. Suvarna said.

Secretary K T Suvarna, Treasurer B Devendra, President of Ladies wing Smt Sumalatha and Secretary of women's wing Smt Sukalakshi were present at the press meet.