Mangaluru: The Malnad Youth Association celebrated its 13th anniversary at Bejai Church Hall, here on February 1.
The programme began with an invocation. President of Malnad Youth Association Jeevan B C Gowda welcomed the gathering.
The programme was inaugurated by the Presidentof JDS Belur Constituency Ananta Subbaraya along with Kannada film actor and state film fare awardee Anushree; Arjuna Awardee, Silver medalist London Paralympic Games 2012 Padmashree H N Girish and Athlete Chenna Keshav by lighting the traditional lamp.
Addressing the gathering Ananta Subbaraya said, “In Malnad during our time, it was very difficult to go to school. Only high school education was available in Malnad and students were going to other districts to pursue their education. Some students who came to Mangalore started the Malnad Youth association thirteen years ago.”
“Malnad people are very good in hospitality and there is a strong bond between Malnad and Mangaluru. In Malnad, there are a number of people from the Coastal districts have setup their business and have become successful.”
He further said that we are now in a competitive world and students are highly intelligent. “They want to pursue higher education and so go to other countries leaving their parents. Due to this, in Malnad most of the coffee estates have become old age homes. Parents, thinking about their children’s welfare, give them good education. But the children, after completing their education, get jobs and settle in far away places. They do not settle in their hometown.” He advised the youth not to forget their hometown and make coffee estates old age homes, leaving their old parents all alone to fend for themselves.
Padmashree Girish speaking on the occasion said that youth are the future of the country. Recalling his childhood he said, “I was born with disability and the doctor was about to amputate my leg. But my mother did not allow the doctor to do it. If I am successful in life today, it is because of my parents. When I was mischievous my parents used to beat me. To escape from them I would run, jump over bushes. I was very much interested in sports. I took it as a challenge and today I am successful.”
He advised the youth to be goal oriented. “We need to have a particular aim in our life and we need to work hard until we achieve it.”
Anushree, sharing her successful journey, said, “When I was anchoring for 8 years, I was not popular, but the 80 days in big boss reality show made me popular. I had to face many hurdles to reach this height. When there is a ‘No’ in front of you, there will be a big ‘Yes’ ahead of it waiting for you. So get ready for the big ‘Yes’.”
Former MYA committee members were felicitated on the occasion. Scholarship was handed to a deserving student by the chief guest. Cultural Secretary Samanvitha B L delivered the vote of thanks. Chethan S Pilikula compered the programme.
Avinand, Daskha K M Gowda, Ujwala K S Gowda Rakshith T, Nikhil T U Gowdaand others were also present.
