Udupi: ’Taximen are at times serve as Samaritans’ – Raghupati Bhat

By Pundalika Marate
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 3 Nov 2013: The profession of taxi driver is risky that needs one have to be alert 24 hours, serving the people of different faith, caste and creed in the society.  Meanwhile, one earns respect for being disciplined, devout to his duty and always helpful, said Udupi district taximen’s Association president and former MLA K Raghupati Bhat.

 
Bhat was speaking during Deepika – 2013, first anniversary celebration of Bantakal unit of taximen’s Association at Bantakal, near here on Friday November 1.

 
Shankarapura parish priest Fr Leslie D’Souza in his inaugural address said that the peace and happiness will reign in the society, if people are helpful to fellowmen and honest.

 
The senior teacher and journalist B Pundalika Marate in his keynote address said that in a democratic country everyone has equal rights.  Meanwhile, the need of the hour is to elect peoples representatives who have genuine concern to serve the people are visionaries, said Pundalika.  He also urged the youngsters who are over 18 years in order to register their names in voter’s list.  If the people compulsorily franchise their votes, the dream of former Indian President Abdul Kalam will be realized by 2020 when India will be a developed nation, urged Pundalika.

 

 
Deepavali - Rajyotsav Award was conferred on KSRTC bus driver Ramakrishna Puttur, who risked his life in saving 2 survivors of ghastly road mishap of a Maxi Cab near Nelyady, on a midnight a few years ago.   Six-members of a family from Bantakal was perished in that horrific accident.  Besides, the same Award was presented to MESCOM top lineman Pradeep who was promoted as SO in Belman. 

 
Financial support was extended to the bereaved family of driver Ramesh Acharya who passed away owing to brief illness recently.  Raghupati Bhat announced to contribute Rs 5,000 from Udupi district taximen’s Association.

 
Telephone directory of taximen was also released on the occasion.

 
Shirva gram panchayat president Hasanabba Shaikh was the chief guest of the occasion.
The Association district chief secretary Ramesh K Kotian explained the objective of Association and explained the responsibilities of each member.

 
The Association honorary president Madhav Kamat delivered the introductory address.  President Vincent Castelino Palke honored the dignitaries.  Henry Fernandes Pamboor compered the programme.  S S Prasad introduced the awardees.  Yashwant Rao assisted int the programe.  Surendra Navelkar proposed vote of thanks.

 
Bantakal Friends group staged Tulu play, Aleg Yepa Madime and the students presented variety cultural shows as part of entertainment programme.