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Gonikoppal, Nov. 10: People's representatives can only exercise power when they have the trust and support of the people. It can be seen that people of all classes have been living in harmony with each other for the last two years in Kodagu without any communal conflict. No one should harm the customs and traditions of their respective communities, said A.S. Ponnanna, MLA from Virajpet assembly constituency and legal advisor to the Chief Minister.
Speaking after inaugurating the newly established South Christian Association at Parimala Mangala Vihara in Gonikoppal and releasing its new logo, he said that after coming to power, I have sincerely worked for the welfare of the poor, the exploited, minorities, backward classes, Dalits and all classes of people. I have tried to solve many personal problems, including health, sports, especially for the poor. I am satisfied with that, he said.
I have noticed that there is a lot of poverty in Kodagu. I have observed closely that most people are living on less than one acre of land. I have convinced the minister of this issue when I took leaders of many communities to the Vidhana Soudha and spoke to the ministers.
Many dignitaries in Bangalore believe that the people of Kodagu are rich. But the situation here is the opposite. They believe that as soon as you say Kodagu, there are coffee crops, plantations, etc. They said that they are satisfied that the administration has paid high attention to the poverty here, the problems of farmers and cultivators, the problems of the poor Dalits and minorities.
The problem of roads in Kodagu is serious. The roads have been damaged due to rain. The rain has hindered the work. The Chief Minister has already given a lot of grants for road repairs. The tender processes have been completed. The work will start in the coming days. People should appreciate the work done.
A lot of work is going on for the development of the district, especially for the development of the constituency. He informed that the Hudikeri, Gonikoppa, and Virajpet hospitals have already been upgraded, and a grant of Rs. 130 crore has been used for electricity. He informed that dozens of works are ongoing, including the launch of the new taluk office work for Ponnampet taluk,
the development work carried out at the municipality building, Gonikoppa bus stand, Bhagamandala.
All the communities of Kodagu, including the Christian community, are with me in understanding the development work. I will always be with you as a people's representative for the prosperity of all communities. My desire is that everyone in the district should live in peace and harmony. I hope that I will always have your cooperation in that regard.
A.J. Babu, founder president of the South Christian Association, spoke in the introduction and said that we have been working hard for the unity of the community for the past one year. As a result, now the community members have come together and are standing before the people's representatives to claim our rights. The MLAs of the constituency have provided sufficient funds for community development so that the government benefits are available to everyone. They said that they are confident of providing them in the future.
The chief guests were the Chairman of the District Guarantee Implementation Committee, Teethira Dharmaja Uthappa, Principal of Veerajpet Sant Annam College Fr. Madalai, and Fr. A.J. Tony of Bengaluru. They spoke at the program. MLA A.S. Ponnanna, Chairman of the District Guarantee Implementation Committee, Teethira Dharmaja Uthappa, and the priests serving in various parts were honored and felicitated by the South Christian Association.
Sister Tensi Mother, Father Tony, Sister Teresa Han, Vice President of the South Christian Association, C.C. Vincent, General Secretary C.J. Anto, Joint Secretary Antony Joseph, Treasurer Baby George, Directors Antony Robin, M.A.A. Thomas, P.V. Many dignitaries including Varghese, Dadu Joseph, Stanley, Cletus and others participated.
Litha Cletus prayed, South Christian Association Director Wilson welcomed, office bearers Sheebha Benny and Shirley Rajan narrated, and Rita Anto proposed vote of thanks.
