Mysuru: Former MLC D. Madegowda was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) at a ceremony  held at a private hotel on KRS Road in city on Saturday.

Madegowda was presented with the award for his enormous contributions as the Chairman of City Improvement Trust Board (CITB – now known as Mysuru Development Authority – MDA), which earned him a name Mane Mane Madegowda, for providing housing facility for the roofless.

Managing Director of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) Limited K.M. Munigopal Raju, former Chairman of Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA, which now became MDA) H.V. Rajeev, NAREDCO National President Haribabu, NAREDCO Mysuru Chapter President V.C. Ravikumar and Treasurer A.P. Nagesh were present.

Speaking after receiving the award, Madegowda said, “When India became independent 78 years ago, it was the dream of everyone, including Mahatma Gandhi, to address the scarcity of food, cloth, shelter, education and health. In the course of struggle, many lost their lives and properties. Taking into cognisance the essentiality of providing five basic amenities and the responsibility bestowed upon us, the Constitution was drafted.”

“We have succeeded in gaining freedom by waging a fight against the empire, that was popularly known by the phrase — the Sun never sets on the British Empire. But have we ever thought what had occurred in all these years? There is no hurdle in providing a roof for every family in this country, which should be understood by everyone. There is adequate land and water considered as basic amenities. If we delve into the topic of what is lagging behind, it would turn into a voluble address,” said Madegowda, in a veiled reference to the recent 50:50 sites scam at MDA.

If those having stakes in real estate industry show a will, they can be a beacon of hope for the society and the Government, he said.

“You should have a fire within, challenging the Government to either provide the shelter for all in a span of few years or entrust the responsibility to the realtors. It would then serve the real purpose behind founding NAREDCO,” said Madegowda in his suggestions to the realtors in  the audience.

 NAREDCO National President Haribabu said, the main motto of our organisation is to bring the issues plaguing the industry to the notice of the Government and find solutions to redress them. That apart, it is our responsibility to create a platform to learn from the fellow members and also seek the expert knowledge.

The realtors who obtained the Membership of NAREDCO were feted on the occasion.

NAREDCO Nari, a women’s chapter led by entrepreneur Asha Divyesh was also launched.

D. Srihari of GSS, NAREDCO State Vice-Chairman Manoj M. Lodha, Mysuru Chapter Vice-President Dr. M.D. Raghavendra Prasad, Joint Secretary P.S. Gagan Deep and Award Committee Chairman N. Divyesh were present.