Rons Bantwal

Bhatkat, Jul 20: Preparations for the World Devadiga Maha convention, scheduled to be held on December 20 at the Chitpadi Open-Air Stage, Udupi, gathered momentum with a regional preparatory meeting for the Bhatkal area convened at a private auditorium in Bhatkal under the auspices of the Vishwa Devadiga Mahamandala.

The meeting was presided over by Lakshman Devadiga, president of the Bhatkal Devadiga Sangha.

Delivering the keynote address, Hiriadka Mohandas, Honorary General Secretary of the Vishwa Devadiga Mahamandala, reflected on his close association with Bhatkal while outlining the vision behind the forthcoming convention. He highlighted its objectives, significance and the need for the community to unite through the global gathering.

Addressing the meeting, Dharmapal U Devadiga, President of the Vishwa Devadiga Mahamandala, stressed the importance of the convention in amplifying the community's voice. "The Maha Convention is essential to ensure that our community's demands reach the government," he said, while expressing gratitude to those who had recently felicitated him.

The meeting was also addressed by Ravi S Devadiga, president of the Mumbai Devadiga Sangha; Nagaraj Padukone, vice-president of the Vishwa Devadiga Mahamandala; Ganesh Ambalpady, general secretary; Yadav Devadiga, secretary; and Ratnakar G S, president of the Udupi Devadiga Sangha, all of whom spoke on the importance of the convention and community participation.

Also present on the dais were Janardhana Padupamburu, organising secretary; Janardhana Uppunda; Chennappa Moily; and Raju Devadiga (Kundapur), joint secretary.