Bishop Derek Fernandes felicitating speaker U T Khader. Also seen Clara Fernandes, Louis Rodrigues, Fr Maxim, Fr Pramodh Kumar and others.
Photo Credits: The Goan
BELAGAVI
Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly U T Khader said the Karnataka government is planning a weekend food festival at the premises of Suvarna Vidhan Soudha near Belagavi.
Speaking to media persons during his visit meet the Bishop of Belgaum and Karwar Derek Fernandes at the Bishop's House in Camp, Khader also said the government is likely to implement the proposal of setting up a 350-room five-star hotel in the Suvarna Vidhan Soudha campus.
“In order to have added tourist attractions for Goans and other tourists in Belagavi, a food festival would be started in the campus of the Suvarna Vidhan Soudha every weekend,” said Khader. “We are also considering setting up a five-starred hotel in the campus, which can generate additional revenue. While the hotel can be used for legislators during the Winter Session and visit of government entities, it will serve the tourists and visitors for the rest of the year,” Speaker Khader said.
He also lauded the role played by the Christian priests and nuns in the field of education, health and social services. “Services carried out by the Christian priests and nuns is certainly exemplary,” Speaker Khader said.
Welcoming speaker Khader to the Bishop’s House, Bishop Fernandes felicitated him and briefed him about the services rendered by the priests and nuns in the Dioceses of Belagavi and Karwar.
“Districts of Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Bagalkote and Haveri in North Karnataka and neighbouring Chandgad taluk of Maharashtra come under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Belgaum where priests and nuns are serving selflessly in the field of education, health and social services without the discrimination of any religion or caste,” Bishop Fernandes said. “We are also happy that the new government has initiated measures to support minorities which in turn will serve the community in rendering humanitarian services.”
He also felicitated Khader with a traditional turba. The speaker later paid a visit to the Fatima Cathedral. Vicar General of the Diocese Fr Philip Kutty, Laity Secretary to Karnataka Clara Fernandes, the Public Relations Secretary to Bishop Louis Rodrigues, Fr Pramodh Kumar, Fr Maxim D’souza and others were also present.
