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Mumbai, Jun 13: "The inauguration of Billava chamber of commerce and industry (BCCI) is a historical event for all members of Billava community as some members have formed their chamber of commerce and have taken a significant step to encourage the youth of the community to indulge in business and entrepreneurship. It is a happy feeling to see the Billavas giving leadership to the society. The contribution of Billava community in the development of Maharashtra and Mumbai is remarkable. It is difficult to imagine the progress of Mumbai without the people of Coastal Karnataka including the Billavas.

All the people who have come to Mumbai from Coastal Karnataka including Bunts, Mogaveeras, Christians have accepted Maharashtra as thier home", said Maharashtra governor Chennemaneni Vidyasagar Rao after inaugurating the Billava Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) at Shreemathi Radhabayi Thimmappa Bhandary auditorium of Buntara Bhavana in East Kurla on Saturday June 11.

"Two years ago when Narendra Modi came to power he gave a push to foreign affairs and economy. He visited more than 40 counries and improved trade, foreign relations with those countries. I believe that the members of the chamber will make the best use of this opportunity. Modi has given us the new mantra of Start up India, Stand up India’. Hence we are need of young generation who have the capability to face challenges and become entrepreneurs. We need job creators and not seekers. Hence we require active youth and active women." he added

"You originate from coastal Karnataka. Hence you have the opportunity to help out the people at your home town as well as do good to Mumbai under social responsibility and you have to encourage the members of the chamber to do so. As a governor I am thinking of the future of the languages. According to a survey about 220 languages have vanished in the last 50 years and 150 languages are on the verge of extinct. If the present generation does not teach these languages to the next generation, they too will vanish. Hence I urge the Billava community to conserve their mother tongue and work to preserve it. Protecting a language is like protecting a culture. " the governor said.

The governor also felicitated entrepreneurs Jayarama Banan, Ramesh Kumar(Deepa comforts), advocate Rohini J Salyan (Mumbai) and film producer Rajashekar Kotyan at the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion urban development minister of Karnataka Vinay Kumar Sorake said "The society is divided by the differences which is dangerous. We must not not pay heed to the differences
but lead the community on the basis of self belief. We must implement Narayana Guru’s saying that ’We must become independent though education. We can build an educated society if the people are educated. We must encourage youth to build unity in the community. Only then our community can come up in all aspects."

Speaking on the occasion the president of the Akhila Bharatha Billava union president Naveenchandra Suvarna said "This day has written Billava community’s history. Since many years Billava union has strived for the upliftment of Billava community. It has achieved many milestones economically. There is a need many more. This community was a backward one, but now it has to strengthen itself though self esteem."

The president of Billava Mahamandala Mulky and the executive president of Bharath co-operative Bank Jaya Suvarna, who was also the chief guest of the ceremony said "Creation of BCCI is the platform of
encouragement. Through self dependency the upbringing of the community has been possible and this organization must be a model to the community. The Billavas have continued to be dedicated for
selfless service. Their service must be respected and recognised. I wish this organization achieve success and reach great heights."

In his presidential address entrepreneur and Billava community leader and the president of BCCI NT Poojary said "The contribution of Billava community in improving our community is remarkable. The
Billavas who have dedicated themselves to the country’s service have become a model to everyone. BCCI has given a unique opportunity to render the social service and I promise to utilize this opportunity.
Billava’s are intelligent people who love harmony. The BCCi will work for the total development of the community."

In prior to the inauguration N T Poojary unfurled the Hingara (Areca flower) and paid floral tribute to the portraits of Koti Chennayya and Narayana Guru along with the other directors and office bearers of BCCI.

The talents of Billava community exhibited various cultural programmes and the team led by Umesh Mijar presented Bale Thelipale.

BCCI secretary advocate Anand Poojary rendered the key note address. Sahil Zaheer not only welcomed the present but also compered the programme. BCCI executive vice president D N Suvarna rendered the vote of thanks.

BCCI executive vice presidents D B Ameen, Mahendra Karkera, directors Chandayya B Karkera, Hareesh Ameen, and others were present at the occasion.