'Moral strength essential to build a university'

Addressing a felicitation and book release programme organised here on Wednesday in the backdrop of his visit to University of Wurzburg in Germany as a visiting professor, he said an institute of higher learning can be built only through scholarly faculty and studious students.
“I have the satisfaction that I have maintained that moral strength. I have never been pulled up by any minister or the government. I was answerable only to the Governor. One cannot build an institution without going against the system,” he said recalling his experiences as Vice-Chancellor.

“Being a vice chancellor is the most difficult job. If you are waiting for taking revenge against somebody, make him a vice chancellor,” Rai said in a lighter vein.
“If one has the will, he can convert problems  into opportunities. One can even convert lacuna into fortunes,” he said quoting his life experiences.

The former VC said Kannada should be used for one’s bread, thought and opportunity but not beyond that. “Despite my one-year visit to Germany, I will be in my native place Mangalore, mentally. I will continue my works for Kannada and Tulu,” he said.
In his address, veteran scholar Prof Amrut Someshwara wished that Prof Rai will be the spokesperson of Kannada culture in Germany. He appreciated Rai for always being away from the circles of caste and politics.

‘Hindana Hejje’, ‘Irula Kannu’ and ‘Rangadolagana Bahiranga’, three books by Prof B A Viveka Rai were released on the occasion. Dasajana, Mayflower Media House, Muddappa Prakashana and Nakutanthi had organised the programme.
Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof K M Kaveriappa presided. Varsity Registrar Dr K Chinnappa Gowda, Veterans Erya Lakshminarayana Alva, D K Chowta and writer Na Damodar Shetty were present on the occasion.