Mangaluru : DK District in-charge Minister B Ramanatha Rai laid the foundation stone for the Kudmul Ranga Rao Memorial community hall near the ZP School at Babugudde on February 24, Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion Rai said, Kudmul Ranga Rao was a social reformer from Kudmul, a village in the Coastal region. He established “Depressed Classes Mission” in 1897 in Mangalore for providing education, better housing, drinking water and empowering the backward classes socially by guarding them against exploitation by upper classes.” he said.

J.R Lobo MLA of Mangaluru South, said he has uplifted many poor families in his time through education. The foundation for the community hall has been laid by overcoming all hurdles. The construction would be complete within 15 months. Rs. 1 crore was sanctioned for the building when Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya visited Mangaluru. The MCC has granted an equal amount, he said.

Jacintha VIjay Alfred, city Mayor, and others were present.