Report : Daru, Vamanjur
Pics : Robert Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Feb 14: J R Lobo, MLA of Mangaluru South constituency who was on a private visit to the UAE met Dubai-based businessmen, leaders in an informal meeting here recently.
Lobo, who is also the deputy chairman of Christian Development Committee and chairman of legislative committee for backward classes and minority welfare, briefed the attendees about the Smart City project. He also shared his dreams and visions for Mangaluru. The bureaucrat-turned-politician detailed the efforts he has taken with regard to the welfare of NRIs, including the recommendation to the state government to establish a separate body for the welfare of NRIs.
"Mangaluru is a fast growing city, and has tremendous potential for development in the coming days. The Smart City project will take Mangaluru to the next level. I invite Mangalureans to come back once your commitment here is fulfilled, and be part of Mangaluru's progress. I also urge the business community to invest in Mangaluru," he said.
He briefed on how Mangaluru can grow into an ideal city and shared the details of the projects undertaken under his leadership and guidance. While thanking the NRIs for their contribution to their homeland, he asked the attendees to approach him at any point of time through email or phone call should they require his assistance.
"Being the chairman of a legislative subcommittee, I have submitted request to the government for an NRI agency along the lines of the Kerala model for the welfare of NRIs. The current forum is not active and has only Rs one crore as fund allotment. Like Kerala, I have demanded at least Rs 100 crore for the welfare of the NRI community. I am confident that in the coming budget session, this request will be honoured," Lobo said.
Thereafter, the attendees had the privilege of interacting with J R Lobo.
Lobo answered each question patiently and proved that he is not just a politician but a statesman with real concern for the growth of Mangaluru.
James Mendonca, managing director at Reliable Fabricators LLC, Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media group, Denis D'Silva, IFKCA Karnataka president and youth Congress leader from Mangauru, and Dayan D'Souza Mukamar, social activist and community leader were on the dais along with J R Lobo.
Walter Nandalike introduced the guests to the attendees. Dayan D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks. Deepak Machado compered the programme.