Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Apr 16: Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes released the book ‘Gulf Kannadiga Sri B G Mohandas’, authored by Amshumali at Mahajana auditorium, Kediyoor hotel here on Saturday, April 15.
The biography sheds light on the versatile personality and Gulf Kannadiga founder B G Mohandas, popularly known as BG. The book release and felicitation programme was organized by Suhasam.
Appreciating the work rendered by BG, Oscar Fernandes said, "Mohandas is popularly known as BG. He upholds the greatness of Kannada language and culture in the Gulf countries. Most of the time, locals do not appreciate another local person's achievements but in the case of BG it is different. BG has been rendering his best services to the NRIs."
District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj said, "People of Udupi appreciate others in many instances, but the amount of appreciation is very less. One should encourage others when they do good work."
Expressing his displeasure over government's stand on Kannada language, eminent writer N Mogasale said, "Kanthavara Kannada Sangha is serving Kannada language from many years. So far 189 books have been released under that banner. But Samskrit Directorate did not fund even a paisa for releasing the books. Now the government is releasing Rs two lac as maintenance fund and charges including for organizing programme. Unfortunately, the specific fund this year has not been released."
Appealing to the minister, he said, "There are only few books available on women achievers. Our efforts to encourage and recognize women achievers have been minimal. The documentation in the form of books will remain permanent. There are many such achievers in Udupi.
"The minister should visit Kanthavar. Allamma Prabhu Peetha works have been pending for years. The project may need Rs one crore for revival. This project needs to be brought to the notice of the chief minister. There is no encouragement for Kannada language in Kannada land," he lamented.
B G Mohandas was felicitated by the chief guests on the occasion. Acknowledging the honour, BG said, "This day is one of the greatest days in my life and I am very happy to be standing here."
He shared his childhood memories and thanked all for their support in his achievements.
Blossam Fernadnes, N Gururaj, retired editor of Udayavani, writer Amshumali, Shantharaj Ithal, president, Suhasam and others were present.
About B G Mohandas
B G Mohandas is a man of versatile personality and is the founder of Gulfkannadiga.com. Basically he is pharmacy consultant and a senior pharmaceutical professional with more than 35 years of experience in varied facets of pharmacy.
An alumni of Manipal University, Mohandas was the first chief pharmacist of KMC Hospital, Manipal (1972 to 76) and VISL Hospital Bhadravathi (76-79) and served as an assistant professor in College of Pharmacy before migrating to Gulf (1982).
He served as the country manager (Pharmacy) in New Medical Centre Healthcare for over two decades and later served as head, department of pharmacy and clinical services at Gulf Medical University Hospital, Ajman UAE, before returning to Manipal in 2014.
Being a well-known NRI, BG Mohandas served as the president of Indian Pharmaceutical Forum UAE and Karnataka Sangha Dubai for many years in various positions and was the president in 1989.
A former secretary of Manipal Jaycees, he is the recipient of Outstanding Alumni Award from COPS, Manipal University and the prestigious ‘Mayura Award’ and ‘Da Ra Bendre’ award presented by Karnataka Sangha Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, besides many social and professional accolades.