Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)
Mangaluru, Sep 19: Ganeshotsava was celebrated in Mangala Auditorium of the Mangalore University on Tuesday in the presence of vice-chancellor by keeping a small colourless idol of Ganesha despite opposition amidst police security.
The idol was brought to the auditorium in the morning. The stage was decorated. Vice chancellor, chancellor and registrar took part in the ganahoma performed under the leadership of local priest Sudarshan Bhat.
Students who were wearing saffron shawls in the programme were asked to remove them by the university administration. Such students took part without their shawls.
RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, Surathkal MLA Dr Bharath Shetty, Sathish Kumpala, Konaje grama panchayat president Geeta Damodar, vice-president Harishchandra Shettigar, former president Chanchalakshi, Sadbhavana Vedike president Prasad Rai Kallimar, retired headmaster Ravindra Rai Kallimar and others were present.
DCP Siddarth Goel, ACP P A Hegde, CCB inspector Shamsunder, Ullal police station inspector Sandeep G S and others were part of police security.
VC's action commendable: Kalladka Prabhaker Bhat
“Providing happiness and peace to everybody is the aspiration of the Constitution. We have given up the parliament formed by the British and opened our own parliament by praying to Lord Ganapathi. People have been worshipping Lord Ganapathi. The vice-chancellor has cleared the confusion in the university so that Lord Ganapathi may bless all. The act of vice-chancellor Jayaker Ameen is commendable. It is the aspiration of Hindus that all should live in harmony. We ask the same by worshipping Ganapathi,” he said.
Celebrations as per govt norms: Chancellor
“The confusion in Mangalore University campus about Ganeshotsava festival was brought to the notice of the government. As per the directions of the government a goodwill meeting was held under the leadership of students and university staff and opinions were collected. It was decided to hold Ganeshotsava like in the past so that there may be no audit observation. The festival is celebrated by collecting money from students and staff without troubling the students as per government guidelines,” said K Raju, chancellor.
Celebrations will be bigger and better next year: MLA Dr Bharath Shetty
“The government has acted so that nobody might be hurt as per the aspirations of students and parents. While there are efforts to end Sanatana Dharma by comparing it to malaria and dengue, the devotion to Ganesha has made us glad. We are expecting permission for the celebrations next year also. We will be celebrating Ganesha festival on a grand scale next year,” said Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Shetty.