Date of publication: 22.03.2005

The recent issue of international status to Mangalore airport has made several individuals to enquire about the role of NRI Mangaloreans to take leadership on the ambitious project. Who else but B R Shetty could stand out so tall and promising?

Perhaps there are very few people from South Kanara who have not heard the name of Bhavaguthu Raghuram Shetty (B R Shetty), a successful NRI entrepreneur who reached several milestones in his life due to his hard work
and dedication. Today, his name is well known in international business arena too.  B R Shetty is a proud son of the soil.

Around 10 years ago, Shetty was in limelight due to Mangalore airport issue. The then chief minister Veerappa Moily granted him 700 acres of land to build the airport, but within a gap of one year, the issue was calmed down
without much happening to it.

What could be the reason? We thought this is the right time to meet Shetty and know more about this.  Rajesh Sequeira, coordinator of Karnataka NRI Forum was also present during our interview.

Excerpts from the exclusive interview given to Walter Nandalike , Editor-in-Chief daijiworld.com

Are you aware of the recent Karnataka Budget? The government has not released or budgeted funds for the rehabilitation of people affected due to the expansion of Bajpe airport.

Yes I am aware of this. But I am not surprised! Being familiar with the background of politicians of Karnataka, it was expected.

So you have given up your hopes to make the dream of Mangalore come true in the form of international airport?

Well, though I have lost the interest, after looking at your recent developments, once again my hopes are coming alive. I am with you; please go ahead with your efforts.

Could you please enlighten our readers about your previous efforts of bringing Mangalore Airport into the world map?

Today I feel very disappointed when I think about my efforts invested for airport issue in 1994.  Veerappa Moily, former chief minister of  Karnataka who too hails from Mangalore had assured me 700 acres of land near Padubidri, which was even granted. Out of 700 acres, 200 acres was for the rehabilitation job. I started my groundwork. I appointed Retired Director General of Civil Aviation Mr Warrier from Delhi to do the feasibility study. I spent nearly Rs 21 Lakh for three months of the work, which mainly included the feasibility study and planning.

8kms long runway was proposed. Landing projection was made from Mulky side. CM had appointed an additional district commissioner for this project work.Unfortunately, after the completion of feasibility study and presentation of entire project report, the state government did not come back at all. I made several requests to the state government department but 'politics' played a big role. If the Mangalore International airport's progress work was
stopped, state politicians are responsible for that. I do not want to give the name; every one knows the truth. As long as these politicians stop playing such games, our dream will not come true.

Later, we all know that same land has been been granted for the Thermal Power Project.

It looks like Congress government does not support this project. Veerappa Moily was Congress CM and now Dharam Singh too is the Congress candidate. Is this a setback for us still?

I am not losing the hope. But Dharam Singh does not seem to be an aggressive chief minister. When Deputy CM Siddaramaih was in Abu Dhabi a couple of months ago, he promised me full governmental support towards
Mangalore airport project. He promised Rs 10 Crore for reha