Mangaluru: Debate over renaming Dakshina Kannada as Mangaluru district has reached the city’s roads, with a Route 27 private bus displaying messages supporting the proposal.Dilraj Alva, owner of Sri Ganesh Prasad (SGP) buses, redesigned one of his five vehicles with the messages “Let our district be known as Mangaluru,” and “Same land, same people, a stronger identity.”Alva said he wanted to use the bus to present his opinion publicly and encourage discussion. “This is a campaign. We wanted our opinion to be there in the public. When there is a public movement, it gets more attention and helps create public opinion,” he said.His buses have previously promoted Tulu and its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule, as well as anti-drug, Swachh Bharat and Go Green campaigns. In 2020, a Route 27 bus carried Tulu script and messages seeking official recognition for the language.Supporting the proposed renaming, Alva said Mangaluru had developed a strong identity and was already used in the names of prominent institutions and facilities, including Mangaluru International Airport and Mangaluru Port.“Usually, when you mention Mangaluru, there is a brand associated with it. Creating that brand is necessary,” he said.Alva selected the design and had it installed on Friday. He said it had received a positive response across the city, particularly from younger people. All five SGP buses operate en route 27.Another bus subsequently carried anti-drug messages, continuing Alva’s practice of using his vehicles to raise awareness about different public issues in Mangaluru over time.
