Report by: Rai Rajkumar, Moodbidre
Moodbidre, Dec 12: "The youth of the coastal region (Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts) are becoming increasingly detached from agriculture. Events like these, which draw them towards the soil, are exemplary and worth emulating," said Dr. R.C. Jagadish, Vice-Chancellor of Keladi Shivappa Nayaka Agricultural and Horticultural University Shimogga. He was speaking at the inauguration of the National Cultural Festival 'Alvas Virasat' (30th Year), organized by Alvas Educational Trust from December 11 to 15. The event featured agricultural fairs, food exhibitions, fruit-flower exhibitions, handicrafts, and artifacts, painting fairs, art displays, photography exhibitions, and grand sales fairs.
While inaugurating the Agricultural Fair, Dr. Jagadish mentioned that in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, which fall under their university’s jurisdiction, 500 acres of land are being converted into rice fields every year. Regarding ginger farming, the university has a complete technology, and 300,000 ginger plants are cultivated every year, encouraging the growth of the crop. He also encouraged the cultivation of the "Sahyadri Red Mukti" and "Panchami Rice Variety," which are suited to the region's climatic conditions. He stressed the importance of inland fishing as well.
"India is an agriculture-based nation, providing employment to 65% of the population and food to over 1.4 billion people. Agriculture significantly contributes to the country's peace and harmony. Always remember the farmers before eating your food," he added.
He further explained that India has an annual food requirement of over 250 million metric tons, including 33 million metric tons of food grains, 35 million metric tons of vegetables, 50 million metric tons of milk and dairy products, and over 60 million metric tons of meat and other food items. "For students to increase their intellect, it is crucial to consume nutritious food. Not all children are the same, each has unique abilities, and it’s essential to focus on their development. Our country is young, and we need to educate them on the necessary skills for their future," he emphasized.
P.G.R. Sindhya, Chief Commissioner of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, Karnataka, spoke at the inauguration of the Scouts and Guides, Rover Rangers cultural camp, handicraft fair, and food fair. She praised Alvas Educational Trust for its inspiration in promoting Kannada, sports, culture, and discipline, which is unparalleled elsewhere. She acknowledged the immense service provided by the Scouts and Guides during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted how the jamboree held at Alvas brought national and international recognition.
She expressed concern about the 40% of food that is wasted in the country, calling it an act of treason against the nation.
Charukeerthi Bhattarark Panditacharya of the Moodbidre Jain Math, in his speech, said, "We gain wealth in our hearts through humility, discipline, and a good mindset. Dr. M. Mohan Alva is a wealthy person in this regard," he added.
Dr. M. Mohan Alva, President of Alvas Educational Trust, mentioned that all the activities conducted at Alvas are part of the learning process and integral to the movement of life. "These activities should become an inseparable part of your life. May the mindset of every child change, and may every moment be exemplary," he wished.
M.C.S. Bank President M. Bahubali Prasad, M.C.S. Bank Chief Executive Officer Chandrashekhar M., Assistant Forest Conservation Officer P. Sridhar, Senior Scientist and Associate Research Director of the Brahmavara Agricultural and Horticultural Research Center Dr. Dhananjay B., Agriculture Department Deputy Director Shashidhar, Regional Director of the Udupi Sri Dharmasthala Rural Development Project Dugghegouda, Venugopal S.J. from the Navneet Nursery in Puttur, Joint Director of Horticulture in Mangalore Ponnappa, Administrative Director of Dhanalakshmi Cashews K. Sripathi Bhatt, Janardhan from Siri Enterprises, Deputy Director of Horticulture Manjunath, and Director of Scouts and Guides Prabhakar Bhatt were present at the event.
Condolences were expressed on the passing of former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna. The members of the Alvas Cultural Team offered prayers, and singer Yashwanth performed a farmers' song. K. Venugopal Shetty, Dean of Kannada at Alvas Pre-University College, hosted the event.