Balmatta-Bendurwell Road to be named as ‘Blasius D’Souza Road’ on July 16 – J R Lobo
Mangaluru: The Balmatta – Bendurwell road will be named after late Congress leader Blasius D’Souza on July 16 at 10 am, said MLA J R Lobo in a press meet held at the District Congress Office here on July 13.
Addressing the mediapersons, Lobo said that the road which comes under the Mangaluru City Corporation from Balmatta Canara Bank Circle to Bendurwell Karavali Circle will be named after the late Congress leader as ‘Blasius D’Souza Road’.
He further said, “Blasius D’Souza had served in the council from 1962 to 1979. At that time, there were very few councillors and all of them have done a lot of good work. From 1972 to 1979, Blasius was the president of the Mangaluru City Municipal Council. During that time, when the city faced drinking water problems, Blasius worked hard to provide drinking water. The markets and the drainage system were also developed by him. He had served the party and was part of various committees. He was very much interested in sports and was the president of the District Hockey Federation. He was also the executive committee member of Cheshire home. He attend the 1994 International Labour Organization meet where he represented India as a deputy leader. He was the senate member of Mangaluru University.”
“Blasius was also the president of the development committees of Wenlock and Lady Goschen hospitals, and had played a vital role in the development of Mangaluru city. Recognising his service, the state government has decided to name the road as Blasius D’Souza Road. Those who have served the society should be recognised by the people so that it will be an inspiration for others to serve society. Late Blasius had also guided and trained many youth who have become successful political leaders.”
On July 16, a Congress workers meet will be held at the Town Hall. To mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar, the Ambedkar Jayanti will also be observed. “Nenapu Namana”, a presentation recalling the development works done by late Blasius D’Souza, will also be held on the occasion. The achievements of the state government in the last 3 years will also be presented.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah has consented to be the chief guest. Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge will be inaugurating the Congress workers’ meet. Minister Ramanath Rai will preside over the function. Home minister Dr G Parameshwar, Secretary In-charge of AISS Shantaram Naik, senior Congress leaders Oscar Fernandes, M Veerappa Moily, Janardhan Poojary, Dinesh Gundurao, D K Shivakumar, H C Mahadevappa, Minister U T Khader, Legislative Council Chief Whip Ivan D’Souza, former MLC Saleem Ahamed and Mayor Harinath will be the guests of honour.
Mayor Harinath, MUDA Chairman Ibrahim Kodijal, former mayors Sashidhar Hegde, Jacintha Alfred and Ashraf among others were also present.
Thank you very much, Mr. J.R. Lobo for being so thoughtful in promoting the idea of naming the Balmatta/Bendore Well Road in honor of late Mr. Blasius D’Souza. Having known the entire A. R. D’Souza family and their lifelong dedication towards the society in Mangalore, this is a most deserving gesture that you have made it into a reality. Providing the names of those most deserving individuals, particularly from our Christian community requires lot of courage and initiative on your part. Naming of the roads in honor of so many deserving dignitaries such as Blasius D’Souza will go down in… Read more »
I am always amazed by priorities of our elected reps. This portal keeps publishing the sad and dangerous state of city infrastructure almost every other day. You don’t hear a word from these elected reps. On the other hand, we see these guys showing so much interest in kabaddi tournament, apartment building inauguration, road renaming etc.