Mysuru: Newly elected FKCCI (Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry) President Sudhakar S. Shetty, who hails from the city, was felicitated at a programme organised by Hotel Owners’ Association and Hotel Owners’ Association Charitable Trust, Mysuru, at the Association premises located in Krishnamurthypuram here this morning.

Minister for Tourism and Sericulture S.R. Mahesh, speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, said that Sudhakar Shetty has risen to great heights by his sheer dedication and determination.

Recalling that Sudhakar Shetty started his career from zero balance and later went on to become a renowned hotelier of the city due to his hard work,  Mahesh said that Shetty has achieved big not only in hotel industry but in other sectors as well, before becoming the chief of the State’s industrial body.

Recounting Shetty’s step-by-step achievements over the past three decades, Mahesh said that Sudhakar Shetty is a model to present day entrepreneurs.

When one among the audience raised Mysore Race Course (MRC) row, Mahesh said that he came to know through a newspaper report in 2006 that the MRC was in confrontation with the Golf Club over payment of rent to it. He discussed the same with the then Mysuru DC P. Manivannan, when he learnt that the MRC was paying a meagre rent to PWD, which owned the MRC land. Later on, he took up the issue and succeeded in ensuring that the MRC paid two percent of its income to the Government as tax.

Referring to the proposed shifting of MRC to another location, Mahesh maintained that it was a move aimed at further boosting of tourism in Mysuru region and he had no personal interest in this.

Stating that the MRC has been given three months deadline for demolition of all unauthorised sheds and dwellings inside its premises, Mahesh said that after the expiry of the deadline, all the unauthorised structures will be demolished.

Sudhakar Shetty, his wife Sukhalatha Shetty and Minister S.R. Mahesh were felicitated on the occasion.

Mysore Hotel Owners Association President C. Narayanagowda presided.

KPHRA Bengaluru Vice-President Ravi Shastri, Association office-bearers Ugraiah, Corporator Jagadish and others were present.