Mangaluru : Former Union minister and MP M Veerappa Moily has said a proposal is being prepared to develop historic Raveendra Kalabhavan in University College.

Speaking after inaugurating the second phase of the business management building, built under the aegis of Old Students Association of the college, at University College, in Mangaluru, on Monday, he said the business management wing of University College should become a centre of excellence in the future.

Recalling his college days, he said he had staged plays at the Raveendra Kalabhavana in the college. District in-Charge Minister Ramanath Rai said that he started his political career by contesting the election to the college union.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said the University College has been imparting education to the economically backward students. The old association has developed a close association with its Alma Mater. Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof K Byrappa, MLC Ivan D’Souza and others were present.

The building with seven classrooms was constructed by the Old Students Association at an estimated cost of Rs 1.35 crore, of which, MRPL has given Rs 50 lakh while BPCL —Rs 30 lakh. The remaining funds have raised from MPLAD fund of Nalin Kumar Kateel, Venkaiah Naidu, MLALAD fund of J R Lobo, Ivan D’Souza.

The first phase of the business management building at an estimated cost of Rs 1.54 crore has already been handed over to the University College authorities.