Udupi: NHAI Likely to Raze Part of Shivaram Karanth’s Ancestral House

Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Jun 24 (The Hindu): The apprehension that the front portion of the house where the Jnanpith Award-winner, the late Kota Shivaram Karanth (1902-1997) was born, would be demolished during the widening of the National Highway 66 (17) at Kota village in the district, has raised hackles in literary circles here.

The first objection to this move came during the seventh Udupi District Kannada Sahitya Sammelan held in Kundapur on May 17 and 18.

Writer and sammelan president A.S.N. Hebbar urged the Union and State governments to protect the house in which the legendary writer was born in Kota.

President of Suhasam Literary Organisation H. Shantharaj Aithal told The Hindu on Wednesday that the front portion of the house, where Karanth was born, would be lost during the widening of the highway. This should not be allowed.

“When the houses where litterateurs such as Kuvempu and Da. Ra. Bendre were born, have been retained as heritage assets, the same rule should apply to the house at Kota. This is essential as the word ‘Kota' figures in the name of Shivaram Karanth,” he said.

Another factor is that Sri Hiremahalingeshwara Temple is located in front of the house.

“The temple should also be saved. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) can modify the design of the highway or construct a flyover to protect both the house and the temple,” Mr. Aithal said.

Writer Malini Mallya said a proposal to build a memorial for Karanth on the premises of the house at Kota mooted 10 years ago could not materialise for various reasons. “However, now the Kotathattu Gram Panchayat is constructing a nice memorial for Karanth in Kota. I am glad the memorial is coming up in his birthplace”, Ms. Mallya said.

Report awaited

An officer of the NHAI, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said a small front portion of the birth-house was likely to be demolished during the widening of the highway. But this was would depend on the report of the Assistant Commissioner of Kundapur Sub-Division.

“The NHAI will consult the district in-charge Minister V.S. Acharya and other elected representatives before taking any decision,” the officer said.

Caretaker of the house Rama Mogera said that an old wall clock, a swing, the room where Karanth was born, agricultural equipment used by Karanth's father Shesha Karanth, were still preserved in the house.

The house went to Shivaram Karanth's younger brother late Narasimha Karanth during division of property in the family. At present, the house belonged by Sumathi Karanth, daughter-in-law of Narasimha Karanth, he said.