Mangalore: The Bajpe-Kenjaru Mangalore International Airport, in view of its 60 years eventful existence, is holding a valedictory function for a year long celebration of ‘Cultural festival’ (Sanskritic Utsava) at the city Town Hall on July 22, Friday. This was duly held. M R Vasudeva, director speaking on the occasion , informed that the new airport (Kenjaru) had al facilities for another 15 years.
It was in 2006 that the airport had applied for aerodrome license and preparations continued, he said.
They Mangalore (Bajpe) Airport was at the bottom of city’s development in Business, Education, Banking and residential expansions, and one cannot forget the airport while remembering Mangalore City’s growth.
City MP Nalin Kumar in his address stated that the Volvo Bus from city to airport would continue despite preventive calls. He hailed the services of Pascal Pinto who coordinated in Kuwait a Forum of NRIs from coastal Karnataka. The Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Airport brought to the fore the great name of Ullal Srinivasa Mallya who did so much to develop Mangalore in all aspects till 1965.
The guests distributed prizes of winning competitors in several fields, arranged by Airport authority earlier.
IOB Chairman M Narendra, HR Nataraj Urs, Jt. Director of Collegiate education, NRI Pascal Pinto, former Tulu Academy Chairman and dramatist Sitarama Kulal, GM B.R Bhat of Corporation Bank, KCCI chief G.G Mohandas Prabhu, and Tejomaya were present.
Tarana group of singers presented a series of hit film songs of yesterday in Hindi, under “Yadon Ki Shaam” (evening of memory), from 6 pm onwards to a full house of eager listeners.