Moily Declares 5 Institutions as Centres of Excellence

14 October 2009

Union Minister for Law and Justice M. Veerappa Moily has called for fast growth of education on the model developed by the Dakshina Kannada district. Speaking after inaugurating the new building of the University College at Hampankatta on October 13, Mr. Moily said that efforts were on to declare 5 institutions in Mangalore as centres of excellence.

He said proposals have been sent to the University Grants Commission (UGC) to upgrade St. Aloysius College, University College, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College Ujire, St. Ann’s College Mangalore, and Roshni Nilaya School of Social Work as centres of excellence.

The minister informed that a proposal has also been sent to the central government to consider the auditorium of University College Ravindra Kala Mantapa as a heritage site because the building is more than 140 years old. Once the central government declares it as a heritage building, the Archeological Survey of India will undertake a project worth Rs. 5 crores to restore it to its original, pristine beauty.

Mr. Moily appreciated the generous act of two brothers from Bangalore, Dayananda Pai and Sathish Pai, who donated this magnificent building, which cost Rs. 1 crore, to the University College. Mr. Dayananda Pai, a noted philanthropist who was also present on the occasion, said that he and his brother would like to adopt University College and develop it into a world-class institution. He requested the Vice Chancellor of University College Prof. K. M. Kaveriappa and Mr. Moily to consider the proposal and contact him.

Prominent citizens such as J. Krishna Palemar, the district minister in charge; P. Sathish Pai, the entrepreneur; Prof K. M. Kaveriappa, the vice chancellor of Mangalore University; Laxminarayana Bhat, the principal of Mangalore University College; U. K. Basu, the managing director of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Private Limited; and Mr. U. T. Khader, the MLA of Mangalore were present on the occasion.