Daijiworld News Network - Dubai
Dubai, March 14: The much awaited budget session of Karnataka State government has greatly disappointed the pro-Mangalore international airport activists. To everyone's dismay, no funds have been allotted by the state government for the progress of Mangalore airport. Though central government has allotted Rs40.60 crore for the expansion of Mangalore airport, Karnataka government is yet to rehabilitate the affected, without which the second runaway will be an impossible task.
Reviver of the dream – Rajesh Sequeira
Initiative was taken for the international status to the Mangalore airport during the early eighties. But it could not carry on perhaps due to the lack of leadership or support from like-minded people. Until last year the issue was not taken so seriously, but Rajesh Sequeira, an aeronautic engineer from Kulshkar, who was working for Jet Airways at Mangalore Airport revived the big dream. It was his initiative to see at least one flight to be landed at Mangalore airport from abroad, preferably from Middle-East. He started it in a very lower level, by meeting Mangaloreans at his works and bringing this noble idea to their notice, discussing the issue and requesting for their support to make thousands of Mangaloreans’ dream come true.
After he landed in Dubai for better prospects, he managed to bring like-minded people under one umbrella explaining the cause and possibility of establishing a Mangalore airport which should facilitate itself to land an international aircraft on its runway. 'Lot of ground has been covered, we are on right track, but we are yet to reach the target' he says with brightened eyes. “Anything is possible from now on”, he exclaims. “The support is good; there are lots of promises, but active participation is very less” he says while talking to daijiworld.
“Many people discourage me saying that it is a mammoth task and it is impossible to fulfill such a huge dream at the individual level”, Rajesh says painfully. “Either you should be a businessman or a politician to take such a lead. And I am neither!”
Rajesh has that continuing courage. “Despite of all the discouragements, my efforts are on. The positive thing is, there are many who appreciate and are ready to render their support”
“Whatever may come, we MUST get at least a few flights to land at Mangalore airport”, his enthusiasm speaks.
Sets of setbacks:
There are more reasons for disappointed of late and there are many setbacks at various levels of the progress.
Kannur Airport which belongs to Kerala state is just a few kilometres away from Mangalore. Leading businessman from Kannur, Krishnan Nair of the Leela Penta Hotel has taken the lead in order to get the approval for this airport.
Needless to mention here that Kerala has already THREE airports of international facilities and the international passenger traffic is high. All these three airports have received the international status today just because of their unity and a strong support from business community in the state.
There is a general thought. Kannur airport activists assume that if they attain the international status, they will get huge traffic from NRI Mangaloreans. They are ready to spend money, and they have very high-level political influence.
Considering all the money and might people of Kannur display, if Kannur airport gets approval for an international airport, it should be considered as a full-stop on the story of Mangalore airport activists.
Rays of hope, any?
That’s why we too must show our muscle power, Rajesh remarks. He has a few interesting suggestions to be made, including having a strong and an able leader. “Without the support from the local business community, no airport in India can get an international status”, Rajesh explains. “Mangalore needs a few good, committed leaders preferably NRI business persons who can take a lead”.
The director of Mangalore airport Vasudeva is highly supportive towards this mega task. He has promised his whole-hearted support and is trying to help wherever, in whatever way.
Mangalore chamber of Commerce chairman Srinivas, is also trying his level best to reach the top people to convince the need for international airport in Mangalore.
Imminent blessing, business-wise:
Mangalore is going to be one of the best tourist destinations in South India, if the airport projects gets a final nod. Already there is a talk about another IT Park apart from the existing Infosys setup. Lots of developmental works are underway in connection with promoting tourism in Mangalore.
Already planned mega projects like Nagarjuna and others will spot Mangalore in a firm place in India's map. Education sector is going take a big boom here, as more than 50% non-Mangaloreans are studying in various colleges, educational institutions of twin districts.
Need of the hour – unity:
To come anywhere closer to the dream, the most important thing needed is a good back-up from Mangalorean business community without taking caste, creed and gender into consideration.
Rajesh has a simple request with the Mangaloreans worldwide. “I am not collecting donations. I don't need it. But all I need is, if you are an influential person at any level, please come forward and contribute your source the fulfillment of this dream. If you are a Mangalorean and wish to give your moral support to our efforts, please send an email of your support at rajseq@yahoo.com
Monday, March 14, 2005
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