Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Jun 6: A boat named Balaji, which was used to transport shells in the Panchaganga river in Kundapur, will be handed over to the Dharmasthala museum on June 9. Jayananda Kharvi, president of the Kundapur Konkan Kharvi Samaj and a resident of Madhyakeri in Kundapur's Kharvikeri, announced that this boat, owned by Venkatesh, son of Shankar Kharvi, is now out of service and has been proposed to religious leader Dr. D Veerendra Heggade for preservation.
He spoke at a press conference held at the Kundapur Press Club.
The boat was constructed from a large tree approximately 20 feet in diameter found near Kandalur during a search for a suitable tree for shell transportation about 14 years ago. Measuring about 51 feet long and 10 feet wide, this boat was capable of carrying a three-quarter load of shells. Jayananda Kharvi mentioned that it cost 2.5 lakhs to build the boat at that time.
The Konkan Kharvi community, residing along the sea coast from Mumbai to Mangaluru, primarily earns a livelihood through fishing. The shell collection industry is also declining, with fewer individuals from the new generation entering this profession. He further stated that the boat, retired from service, symbolizes the Konkan Kharvi society's hard work. Tourists will be able to view this boat at the Dharmasthala museum.
On June 9, the boat will be brought in a procession from Kundapur Ferry Road to Kundapur Shastri Circle and ceremonially bid farewell. It will be electronically handed over in the presence of Veerendra Heggade at Dharmasthala.
Venkatesh Kharvi, the boat's owner, said, "Our father had a dream of making a big boat. He was a master boat builder. I was a tailor. This boat was built to continue my father's work. Now, with fewer people entering the shell industry, the boat would deteriorate without maintenance. It must remain intact for hundreds of years. Though it is a non-living thing, it has provided us with a livelihood. When we requested Dr. Heggade to preserve such a long boat in the museum at Dharmasthala, we received permission."
He added that the boat will be restored and handed over to Dharmasthala once it is fully assembled.
Dinaka Kharvi and Satish Kharvi were also present on this occasion.