Malpe : All roads led to Malpe on November 14 evening, Wednesday-There was a reason- The Deepavali Festival organised by  Malpe Friends. Nearly one lakh people had gathered to celebrate the occasion which was marked by a variety of cultural programmes. Dr G Shanker  of G Shanker Family Trust inaugurated the programme.

MLA Raghupathi Bhat presided over the function. Pramod Madhwaraj, entrepreneur,  UR Sabhapathi, former MLA, Yashpal Suvarna,  Fisheries Federation President , Bharath Kunder, President of Malpe Beach Friends and others were present on the occasion.

Dr PV Bhandari, Managing Director of Dr AV Baliga Memorial  Hospital, was felicitated on the occasion. Even Dr Tom Devasya, Associate Professor of Cardiology, KMC hospital, Manipal, Duggappa  U Malpe, Member of Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy,  Bhasker Kotian, District Rajyotsava Awardee, Vittal Kunde and Janardhan Kodavoor were also honoured on the occasion.

Meritorious students  studying in local colleges were  awarded. Financial aid was also distributed to over 180 patients in Udupi District Hospital.

A variety of cultural programmes were presented by Alva’s students. There was also an attractive show of fire works.