The original circle was dismantled as part of the highway expansion project. With construction now under way, the new structure will take shape in phases and is expected to add a fresh visual identity to one of the busiest junctions in the region.

As B C Road serves as a crucial intersection where major highways converge, planners have ensured that the new circle will not impede motorists’ visibility or traffic flow. Instead, it has been designed to enhance both road safety and the aesthetic appeal of the town, while reinstating a landmark dedicated to Brahmashree Narayana Guru.

Initial proposals had envisaged a much larger traffic circle. However, concerns that an expansive structure could create difficulties for vehicular movement prompted a revision of the plan. The design was subsequently scaled down, and the circle will now be constructed within a 30-metre diameter.

Bhuvanesh Pachchinadka, president of the Bantwal Taluk Billava Samaja Seva Sangha welcomed the development and expressed optimism that the long-pending project would soon be completed. “The time has finally come for the reconstruction of a beautiful circle dedicated to Brahmashree Narayana Guru. It will soon become a reality,” he said.

Billava leader Harikrishna Bantwal recalled that discussions regarding the future of the circle had begun when the highway development works necessitated its removal.

“When the circle at B C Road was removed during the highway development works, MLA Rajesh Naik held discussions with leading members of the Billava community. Information regarding the reconstruction was subsequently obtained from the authorities. Later, MP Capt Brijesh Chowta visited the Billava Sangha, gathered the opinions of community members and held consultations on rebuilding the circle. The work is now progressing in accordance with those discussions,” he said.

The new Brahmashree Narayana Guru Circle has been conceptualised to reflect the philosophy and social message propagated by Narayana Guru.

According to Sujay Lobo, the project’s design consultant, the monument has been created to promote awareness against caste and religious divisions while embodying the Guru’s belief that education is the path to freedom and enlightenment.

“The circle has been designed in accordance with the message of Narayana Guru. It seeks to create awareness among people on issues relating to caste and religion and reflects the Guru’s vision that education leads to liberation. Since education represents light, the central structure has been conceived in the form of a lamp,” he explained.

The lamp-shaped monument will be divided into three sections, symbolising Narayana Guru’s celebrated principle of ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God for Humanity’. The central structure will stand 16 feet tall and will form the focal point of the 30-metre-wide circle.

The earlier Narayana Guru Circle had been removed owing to the national highway expansion works. Following discussions involving MLA Rajesh Naik and leaders of the Billava community, it was decided that the reconstruction would be undertaken directly by the highway authorities.

Confirming the development, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said the project had been initiated in line with decisions taken during meetings with community representatives and public officials.