Pics by: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 30: District in-charge Pramodh Madhwaraj inaugurated the three-day ‘Udupi Parbha and Adventure Festival 2017’ organised by Udupi district administration, youth and sports department, and tourism department in association with Malpe beach developmental committee, on Friday, December 29.
Addressing the gathering, Madhwaraj said. "Malpe is one of the finest and cleanest beaches in the Indian sea coast. Youth development, sports and tourism department of Karnataka government, to encourage adventure sports have organised events in various districts. I am proud that I was the first in India to organise sea sports events in memory of my father in 1990. We need to strive hard to make Malpe beach and St Mary's Island famous globally.”
Udupi municipality commissioner D Manjunathaiah speaking on the occasion said, "To develop the place where he played and grew up, minister Pramodh Madhwaraj has contributed much more. Due to his special interest in the area, Rs 17 crore worth bridge is being built in Padukere.”
“Malpe beach is the second beach after Mumbai to have a beach cleaning machine worth rupees Rs 70 lac. More than Rs 22 crore is being spent for the development of Malpe beach,” he said.
An enthusiastic performance by international drummer Shivamani enthralled the audience. Shivamani himself beat the local drums (Dollu).
District commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis, CMC President Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje, vice-president Sandhaya Tilakraj, Manohar Shetty, and deputy commissioner Anuradha were present at the inaugural ceremony.
District commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis welcomed the gathering.
Sri Laxmivara Theertha Swamiji of Shiroor Math also graced the occasion.
Ace compere Rajendra That compered the programme.
Various entertainment programmes are organised in the evenings at Malpe beach. A large number of tourists and local people are visiting the sea shore. Art exhibition and sand art are the main attractions of the event.
Sports like 125 km bicycle race, skate boarding, and adventure sports are also being organized at Udupi Parba. For the first time in Malpe beach, national level junior swimming competition will be held on December 31.