Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Jan 10: Well-known NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael D’Souza said that power, responsibility and vision together can transform even a desert into heaven, citing Dubai as the best example. He was addressing dignitaries and members of the Pilikula Golf Course (PGC) during the inauguration of its upgradation to the prestigious A-Plus category.
“Mangaluru has the same development potential as Dubai, but somewhere we are lacking the willpower and are missing opportunities to brand our native city as a world-class destination,” he said.
Elaborating further, D’Souza highlighted Dubai’s strict law and order system and its culture of coexistence. “In Dubai, a woman can move freely even at midnight carrying a kilo of gold. Churches, mosques, gurudwaras and temples exist within a single compound. The rulers of Dubai are particular about marketing their soil and consistently emphasise branding. Our leadership must learn from this,” he said.
He added that while philanthropists can contribute through donations, the real responsibility lies with ministers, MLAs, MLCs and bureaucrats who possess power, responsibility and vision. “They must take the lead in branding Mangaluru as a global tourist hub. The Pilikula Golf Course can be a strong kick-start in that direction,” he said.
District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundurao, who inaugurated the A-Plus category upgradation, said that the upgraded PGC would attract golfers from across the country. “In the coming days, players from all over India will visit Mangaluru to play golf. The renovated Pilikula Golf Course is a feather in the cap of Mangaluru. Sports always unite us beyond religion and other divisions,” he said. He expressed happiness over Mangaluru’s rapid development and congratulated the PGC members and leadership for creating a state-of-the-art facility.
Renowned entrepreneur and contributor to the PGC upgradation, Dr Prakash Shetty, recalled the transformation of Pilikula over the years. “There was a time when people were afraid to visit Pilikula. Times have changed, and so have people. We are now in an era completely dedicated to development, with tourism playing a major role. Many philanthropists and businesspersons from outside the state are eager to invest here. All they need is government support and acceptance. I am delighted to invest more in Mangaluru, as this place is very close to my heart,” he said.
Sudheer Kumar Shetty introduced the philanthropists and sponsors of PGC, including Michael D’Souza, Chandrashekar Nayak, Ronald Colaco, Anand Kumar Varadarajulu and Dr Prakash Shetty.
Members of Parliament and legislators present on the dais included MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, MLAs Umanath Kotian and Bharath Shetty, MLCs Manjunath Bhandary and Ivan D’Souza, along with Darshan H V, IAS, Vinayak Karbhari, IAS, CEO of zilla panchayat, and other dignitaries.
Manoj Shetty, Captain of PGC, welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering, while Keerthan compered the event.
The Pilikula Golf Course was originally established in 1999 following the formation of Pilikula Nisargadhama, with golf included in its charter due to its close association with nature. Initially developed modestly on barren laterite land, the course and clubhouse evolved steadily and were classified under B and C categories in 2011. Today, the facility attracts local golfers, affiliated players, foreign nationals and tourists alike.
Golf, being an international sport, is also seen as a lifestyle factor influencing industrial and corporate investment decisions. The presence of a world-class golf course plays a significant role in attracting top executives and industries to Mangaluru.
With state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern maintenance equipment, a golf academy and employment opportunities for nearly 200 people, the Pilikula Golf Course has emerged as a major sporting landmark in the region.