Mangaluru : Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade inaugurated the MCC Day celebrations at Town Hall on December 8, Friday.

The dignitaries offered floral tributes to late U S Mallya, the architect of modern Dakshina Kannada.

The main atraction added with Mayor Kavitha Sanil along with Corporator Sabitha Misquith and Asha D’Silva performed a dance and mesmerized the audience. Mayor Kavitha along with her PA Sharan sang a Kannada song. Deputy Mayor presented a mimicry and corporator Appi also sang a Kannada song. Many other corporators and MCC employees participated in the cultural programme showcasing their talents.

Dr Heggade conferred the U S Mallya Lifetime Achievement Award on eminent saxophonist Kadri Gopalanath on the occasion. The Award carries a cash prize of Rs one lakh and a citation.

Veteran Yakshagana artiste Agari Raghuram Rao, educationist K A Rohini and talented athlete Poovamma were also honoured.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Veerendra Heggade said that U S Mallya was working hard for the welfare of the people of DK. His effort brings Airport, National Highway, Railway, All India Radio station, KREC and New Mangalore Port, he said.

Mayor Kavitha Sanil, Deputy Mayor Rajaneesh Kapikad, MCC Commissioner Mohammad Nazeer, Mangaluru South MLA JR lobo, Corporators Sabitha Misquith, Appi, Pratibha Kulai, MLC Ivan D’Souza and others were present.