On July 5, the convention office for the World Devadiga Grand Convention will be inaugurated in Chitpadi, Udupi. Dharmapal U Devadiga, president of the World Devadiga Mahamandala, announced this at a press conference held at the Udupi Press Club. The convention, scheduled for December 12, aims to press the government to establish a separate development corporation for the Devadiga community and implement special plans for their social, educational, and political development. Around 20,000 to 25,000 people from various districts in the state and outside are expected to attend the convention.
The Devadiga community, primarily engaged in agriculture and temple services, has a population of around 8 lakh, according to Dharmapal. The community has been living in the coastal regions of Karnataka, including Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada, as well as in Kerala’s Kasaragod district. The convention will discuss various demands of the Devadiga community, including the establishment of a separate development corporation and allocation of special funds in the state budget.
The World Devadiga Mahamandala was established in 2023 to strengthen the community. Former Chief Minister M Veerappa Moily is a prominent political leader from the community. The convention will be attended by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and other prominent political leaders from the state and district. Other dignitaries present at the press conference included Hiriyadka Mohandas, secretary of the World Devadiga Mahamandala, and Ravi S Devadiga, president of the Mumbai Devadiga Mahamandala.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi