PANAJI: The Karnataka Border Area Development Authority (KBADA) has officially confirmed that land has been purchased in Verna, Goa, for the construction of a Kannada Bhavan, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the Kannadiga community residing in the State.
Chairman Somanna Bevinamarad, who presided over a consultative meeting held in Verna today, said the land was acquired based on directions from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who took a personal interest in the project and urged the Authority to act immediately. “The land is in a good location and is suitable for the construction of Kannada Bhavan. The Finance Department also supported the initiative by approving the release of funds,” said Bevinamarad.
He emphasised that the Kannada Bhavan was necessary for the community to live with self-respect in Goa and called on the Goa government to extend support. “Goa's ministers and MLAs should engage with the Kannadiga community here and listen to their issues. Governments must realise that Kannadigas in Goa cannot be ignored,” he said.
Quoting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Bevinamarad noted that the construction of Kannada Bhavan is a priority and urged community members to stay united. “Where the organisation is strong, there are always those who try to break it. All Kannadigas should unite and work toward the construction of the Bhavan. We should invite the Ministers of Karnataka and Goa for the Bhoomi Puja,” he added.
Prakash Mattihalli, Secretary of KBADA, highlighted the urgency of the project by recalling the plight of more than 500 Kannadigas displaced in Baina in earlier years. “If we had a Kannada Bhavan then, it could have served as a temporary shelter. Now we finally have a chance to build one,” he said.
Kannada Sahitya Parishad Goa State President Siddhan Meti said the community’s relentless efforts were finally bearing fruit. “We have been fighting for years for this Bhavan. Today it feels like we are seeing the results,” he said.
The meeting saw participation from several community leaders and organisations, including Akhil Goa Kannada Mahasangha, Rashtriya Banjara Samaj, Akhil Goa Veerashaiva Lingayat Samaj, Karnataka Defence Forum, Kasapa Goa State Unit and others. Bhoomi Puja was also performed on the land earlier in the day.
