KDA Chairman Purushottama Bilimale has called for permanent memorials to honor the stalwarts who built the coastal region, specifically highlighting the legacies of Molahalli Shiva Rao and Shrinivas Mallya.

  • KDA Chairman urges for memorials for coastal development leaders.
  • Molahalli Shiva Rao and Shrinivas Mallya identified as key architects of the region.
  • Emphasis on honoring the cooperative movement and educational reforms.
  • Call to include founders' names in institutional property records.

Speaking at a book launch in Mangaluru, Purushottama Bilimale, Chairman of the Kannada Development Authority (KDA), expressed profound dismay over the lack of permanent recognition for the leaders who shaped the coastal belt. He emphasized that the authority is fully prepared to support any initiative aimed at immortalizing the contributions of these visionaries.

The event marked the release of “Mogedastu Moleyuva Molahalli”, a biographical work by Aravind Chokkady focusing on the late cooperative leader Molahalli Shiva Rao. Bilimale noted that Shiva Rao utilized the cooperative sector as a vehicle for social change, specifically focusing on constructing schools in rural hinterlands to uplift the community.

Read Also:Devendra Mahto Ends Hunger Strike After Jharkhand Government Cancels JPSC CGL Exams

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the erasure of local historical figures from public consciousness can weaken regional identity. Recognizing the architects of infrastructure—from schools to airports—is essential for fostering a sense of continuity and pride in developing coastal economies.

To know these leaders is to know the very essence of the region's development and identity.

In addition to Shiva Rao, Bilimale highlighted the monumental impact of Shrinivas Mallya. Mallya's efforts were instrumental in the establishment of the regional airport, the National Institute of Technology-Karnataka (NIT-K) in Surathkal, and the overall modernization of urban coastal areas. Bilimale described these men as the 'eyes of the region.'

Historical Background

According to KDA data, between 1915 and 2024, approximately 3,200 government schools were established across Karnataka. In the Sullia region alone, sixteen schools founded during Shiva Rao’s era have recently completed a century of service. Despite this, a significant gap remains in administrative recognition, as nearly 1,970 schools have failed to include the names of their founders in official land property records.

Did You Know?: Molahalli Shiva Rao’s educational philosophy was deeply rooted in the values of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who was Molahalli Shiva Rao?
He was a prominent cooperative leader who played a pivotal role in establishing numerous rural schools in Karnataka.

2. What is the KDA's stance on this issue?
The KDA is ready to support any formal initiatives or projects that create memorials for the region's developmental leaders.