Mangaluru Dasara symbolises grandeur of devotion, says CM D.K. Shivakumar

Mangaluru Dasara symbolises grandeur of devotion, says CM D.K. Shivakumar

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct. 16, 2026: “While Mysuru Dasara represents royal grandeur, Mangaluru Dasara symbolises the grandeur of devotion. Dasara is not merely a celebration; it reflects the pride of our heritage, the vitality of economic activity and the spirit of social unity,” Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said.

Addressing the Mangaluru Dasara celebrations at Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple in Kudroli on Thursday, Shivakumar said the government was committed to the overall development of the coastal region while respecting its culture, religious traditions, natural wealth and the sentiments of its people.

‘My concern is people’s lives, not politics’

“The government is exploring ways to give the coastal region a new identity. My concern is not politics but people’s lives. I care about their sentiments and well-being. The government is committed to the development of the coastal region,” he said.

Shivakumar acknowledged the contributions of senior leaders and citizens to the region and stressed the need to preserve its divine traditions, natural resources and cultural uniqueness.

“It is our collective responsibility to protect this heritage. I have come here to walk alongside the people and acknowledge their values, knowledge and discipline,” he said.

“Just as the sea cannot be imagined without waves, Karnataka cannot be complete without its coastal region. I consider Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts a university of culture and heritage,” he added.

Historic decision to honour Tulu

The Chief Minister said friends and legislators from the Tulu-speaking region, cutting across party lines, had urged the government to recognise and honour their language.

“This is not merely a linguistic issue. It is connected to people’s emotions, livelihoods, traditions and history. Against this backdrop, I came to Mangaluru and held a Cabinet meeting, where a historic decision was taken to honour the Tulu language. I am extremely happy about it,” he said.

Preserving and promoting the language learned from one’s mother was everyone’s responsibility, he added, stressing that local culture must be passed on to future generations.

Dasara symbolises harmony and humanity

Describing Mangaluru Dasara as a confluence of celebration, communal harmony, culture and humanity, Shivakumar said religious and cultural events brought people together beyond political differences.

“There is no room for party politics in temples. Such celebrations strengthen unity in society. We must achieve progress while preserving our traditions,” he said.

He also noted that efforts were being made to showcase coastal Karnataka’s cultural identity at Mysuru Dasara, including traditional sports such as Kambala and other cultural activities.

‘I have come as a devotee’

Shivakumar said his visit to Kudroli was not limited to inaugurating the Dasara celebrations but was also an opportunity to seek divine blessings.

“I have come as a devotee to receive the blessings of the Almighty. After visiting Goddess Mahalakshmi in Udupi, I offered prayers to Lord Gokarnanatha and Goddess Annapoorneshwari here and sought the blessings of Narayana Guru,” he said.

Referring to Narayana Guru’s message of humanity and universal peace, he said people should lead their lives guided by human values.

“People visit temples to seek relief from their difficulties, find peace and place their hopes and aspirations before God. Today, I too have come among you as a devotee,” he said.

Recalling his earlier statement at the Chamundeshwari Temple that “efforts may fail, but prayers never fail,” Shivakumar said some people had criticised and mocked the remark, but he did not wish to pursue the controversy further.

Commitment to equality-based governance

The Chief Minister said he had offered prayers at various temples and religious centres across the state and sought the blessings of elders.

“Just as small rivers merge into the sea, prayers offered at different religious centres have strengthened me. I believe these blessings have helped me earn the opportunity to serve the people of Karnataka,” he said.

He added that it was his responsibility to provide clean governance, avoid causing hardship to anyone, bring positive changes to people’s lives and treat everyone equally.

“I am working with the vision of equal opportunities and an equitable share for all,” he said.

CM assures consideration of three demands

The Kudroli temple management submitted three key demands to the Chief Minister: allotment of 15 acres of land to establish educational institutions, permanent allocation of funds for Mangaluru Dasara in the state budget, and official directions to celebrate Brahmashri Narayana Guru Jayanti in all schools and colleges across Karnataka.

Shivakumar assured the gathering that the demands would be discussed with his colleagues before an appropriate decision was taken.

“My aim is to leave behind a legacy of meaningful achievements. Have faith in me. I will make every effort to take decisions that address your concerns and demands,” he said.

CM recalls Janardhana Poojary’s contribution

Recalling the role of senior Congress leader B. Janardhana Poojary in his political journey, Shivakumar said he had lost the Assembly election in 1985.

He said Poojary, who was then the Union Finance Minister, had organised a loan mela in Kanakapura to provide financial assistance to the poor. At the time, even a loan of around ₹5,000 was a significant amount.

“Between 7,000 and 8,000 people in my constituency benefited from that assistance. It gave me tremendous strength in my subsequent political journey,” he said.

Shivakumar said he later contested the zilla panchayat election, became an MLA and minister, and eventually rose to his present position, aided by the guidance and blessings of senior leaders.

He stressed the importance of carrying forward Narayana Guru’s message and Janardhana Poojary’s tradition of public service by creating opportunities for young people and promoting equality and harmony in society.