Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 14: Reaffirming its commitment to community development and infrastructure enhancement, Adani Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the Adani Group, has successfully furnished and upgraded the auditorium at Padubidri gram panchayat office. The upgraded facility developed at a cost of Rs. 21.84 lac was formally inaugurated today by Kishore Alva, executive director & president, Adani Group, and Y Shashikala, president, Padubidri gram panchayat, in the presence of panchayat members, community representatives, and officials from Adani Power Limited.
The newly refurbished auditorium has been designed to serve as a versatile hub for governance, community engagement, and socio-cultural development. It now features modern seating arrangements, professional stage fittings, advanced lighting and sound systems, and other amenities to ensure comfort, accessibility, and effective use. The space will cater to a wide range of activities, including gram panchayat meetings, training sessions, skill-building workshops, awareness programmes, and cultural events, benefitting thousands of residents.
Speaking at the event, Kishore Alva reflected on Adani Foundation’s deep-rooted partnership with local communities in Udupi District. “Since Adani’s entry into Udupi district through the takeover of the power plant in Yellur village, the Adani Foundation has been consistently investing in the holistic development of the surrounding communities. Our CSR work focuses on education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, and infrastructure. Every year, we work in close coordination with the seven gram panchayats in Kaup taluk, taking up projects as per their annual action plans. Padubidri gram panchayat has been one of the beneficiaries, with infrastructure support amounting to Rs. 1.91 cr so far.”
Detailing past contributions to Padubidri, Alva listed key projects undertaken by Adani Foundation, including construction of the ground floor of the gram panchayat office; construction of a community hall at Padebettu; concreting of Padebettu road; construction of a public toilet; renovation of the crematorium; installation of a sanitary pad incinerator plant and now furnishing and modernization of the panchayat auditorium.
Recognizing Padubidri’s strategic location on the national highway, its high population density, ease of accessibility and its role as an administrative hub, Alva informed that he would propose for the establishment of a skill development centre within the panchayat building to provide vocational training and employment-oriented skills to empower the local youth.
Former panchayat president and current member Ravi Shetty commended the Adani Foundation’s ongoing CSR efforts, noting that such projects not only enhance infrastructure but also foster social cohesion, learning opportunities, and cultural expression.
Shashikala, president of Padubidri gram panchayat, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Adani Foundation for its unwavering support: “The development works carried out by Adani Foundation have significantly improved the quality of life for our residents. The upgraded auditorium will be a valuable space for the community for decades to come.”
The event commenced with a welcome address by Manjunath Shetty, panchayat development officer, who also delivered vote of thanks. He emphasized the positive impact the facility will have in enabling larger, more impactful community events.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Roopa Latha, secretary, Hemachandra Salian, vice president, and members Shobha Shetty, Vijayalakshmi Acharya, Naveen Shetty, Ganesh Kotian, Sanjeevi Poojarthy, Geetha Prabhakar, Sujatha Acharya, Bhavani, Harish Shetty, Sandesh Shetty, Ashok Poojary, Feroze, and Aziz from Padubidri gram panchayat, along with Ravi R Jere, associate general manager of Adani Power Limited, and Anudeep from Adani Foundation.