Udupi : Union minister of finance and corporate affairs Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the extension block of the Sri Krishna Balaniketana at Kukkikatte on Saturday.

Speaking after inaugurating minister said, “Pejawar senior pontiff, the late Sri Vishwesha Thirtha, has been a beacon of light for all that the Hindu dharma professes. In his lifestyle and mindset of absolute sacrifice, he spread the message that one needs to serve society. It is the blessings of Sri Krishna of Udupi that gives me strength in life,” said Union minister of finance and corporate affairs Nirmala Sitharaman.

“I am sure that children in this premise will receive the best guidance and lead a morally sound life. I am grateful that I have been given an opportunity to participate in this programme. These are the kind of things which Prime Minister Narendra Modi thinks of, regarding students and children in the country. I really appreciate that you have good hands who receive calls 24×7, and follow it up with action for the sake of children, who desperately need help,” the minister said.

During the British presidency days, people used to travel to faraway places for higher education. However, after Independence, people of this area on their own made this entire region comprising Manipal, Udupi and Mangaluru, the best educational hub known today not just in India, but all over the world. Regarding the quality of education in the private arena, this area stands out as an exemplary case. People of this region are enterprising, and they know what gaps this region suffers from. We have a lot to learn from this area,” she said.

Union minister of state for agriculture and farmers’ welfare Shobha Karandlaje said that the finance minister has contributed through her MPLAD fund, for the development of Sri Krishna Balaniketana.
“Nirmala Sitharaman is a role model for all women in the country. It is not an easy task for a woman to become Union minister and handle various portfolios. She should continue to be a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka in future too,” she said.