Mangaluru : M P Nalin Kumar Kateel called upon the students to project Indian culture rather than western. He was speaking after inaugurating intercollegiate music competition as a part of youth fest Yuvajanothsava at University College in Mangaluru on Thursday.

Kateel said University College is one of the oldest colleges in the district. students who acquired education from this very college, hold respectable positions today. It is the duty of the students to respect their Alma mater, he said.

The MP felt that the present day youth should subscribe to Indian culture instead of western culture. Rural students should be provided with more opportunities , he said and added that he has released Rs 10 lakh from MP fund towards the development activities at the university college.

Entrepreneur and old student of the University College, Ramesh Kumar, who was the chief guest said good mind was the greatest wealth one could possess. Students have to think big and achieve big, he said. He meanwhile stressed on the importance of higher education.

Alumni Association President Sundar Naik who presided over the function said that the second stage of the new college building is being carried out at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore.

Sports tournament were also held during the day. Old student Bhaskar Rai inaugurated the kabaddi matches, retired colonel Nitteguttu Sharat Bhandary inaugurated volleyball matches, University College Principal Prof Sunanda U inaugurated throw ball matches.

College former Principal Dr Sathyanarayana Mallipattna, retired SP Damodar Nidwal and Alumni Association Secretary Dharmana Naik were present among others.