Mangalore, 14 Sep 2014: The state energy minister D K Shivakumar inaugurated Onam celebrations at T M A Pai International Convention Centre, here on Sunday September 14.
The minister Shivakumar, in his inaugural address appreciated Malayalees earnestness in promoting the native tradition and culture worldwide. He said, ‘Our culture is our real strength. Our culture plays an important role in developing our country,’ said minister Shivakumar.
The state minister forests and Dakshina Kannada district-in-charge minister Ramanath Rai humorously said, ‘If we go to the moon, even there we may find a person from Kerala. Karnataka and Kerala states are closely related, be it food, manners, traditions, religious programmes, our state matches with the Malabar region. In Kerala, you can see temples, churches and mosques exist in close vicinity. No major communal clashes ever reported from anywhere. All live in peace and harmony,’ said minister Rai.
The state youth affairs and fisheries minister Abayachandra Jain and Mangalore south MLA J R Lobo also spoke on the occasion.
Kerala Samajam president T K Rajan, the state urban development minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, the state health and family welfare minister U T Khader, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLA Moideen Bawa, A J Group of education institutions chairman A J Shetty, Dakshina Kannada district Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim, Gokulam Group of Companies chairman Gokulam Gopalan, District Congress Committee (DCC) president Mitun Rai and others were also present on the occasion.
Colourful celebration depicting the tradition and rich culture of Kerala was exhibited on the occasion.
Kerala Samajam vice president Maxim Sebastian welcomed the gathering. The joint secretary M V Rajan proposed vote of thanks.
Courtesy : Bellevision