VASCO
President of the Karnataka Border Area Development Authority, Somanna Bevinmarad, has said the proposed Kannada Bhavan at Verna is important for Kannadigas in Goa to live with dignity.
Speaking at a meeting of the Kannada Bhavan Nirman Kannadigar, he said the land was acquired on the instructions of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is keen to provide a space for the Kannada-speaking community in Goa. The project has moved forward, with land already purchased at a prime location in Verna.
Bevinmarad said the Karnataka government’s support is essential for building the Kannada Bhavan. He called it a symbol of unity and urged all Kannadigas to support it. He also appealed to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and MLAs to engage directly with the local Kannada-speaking community.
He suggested that the Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Goa be invited for the Bhoomi Puja and start of construction.
Prakash Mattihalli, Secretary of the Authority, recalled how over 500 Kannadiga families were displaced in Baina, saying a Kannada Bhavan back then could have given them shelter. “We now have the chance to build this space and must act quickly,” he said.
Siddanna Meti, president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishad “ Goa unit, said, “After years of effort, our dream is finally taking shape.”
Earlier, a Bhoomi Puja was held at the Verna site with many Kannada leaders and organisations from across Goa in attendance.
