Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Oct 31: The Karnataka government's decision to withdraw the Rajyotsava Award announced for renowned Udupi-based physician Dr G S Chandrashekar has sparked widespread criticism, with citizens, medical professionals and various organisations expressing strong displeasure over the move.
Dr G S Chandrashekar, medical director of Udupi's reputed Adarsha Hospital, was initially named among the recipients of this year's Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards. However, in a subsequent development, his name was removed from the list, reportedly citing technical reasons.
The decision has come as a shock to many in Udupi, particularly considering Dr Chandrashekar's contributions to the healthcare sector. He has dedicated more than three decades to providing selfless medical services to the people of Udupi and has earned widespread recognition for his commitment to patient care and public service.
The government's move has raised questions over the selection process, with many questioning why an award was announced in the first place if there were technical issues that warranted his exclusion.
Adding to the controversy, the government had announced a Rajyotsava Award recipient from Uttara Kannada district, while Dr Chandrashekar's name from Udupi was subsequently withdrawn.
The decision has triggered strong reactions from the medical fraternity, various organisations and members of the public, who have expressed disappointment and demanded clarity from the state government.
Many believe that Dr Chandrashekar's decades-long contribution to society deserves recognition and have urged the government to reconsider its decision.
Dr P V Bhandary questions withdrawal, seeks reinstatement of award
In a statement, Dr P V Bhandary, renowned psychiatrist and social worker of Udupi said that the issue was merely a district-name error and could have been corrected through a simple amendment rather than withdrawing the award altogether.
Recalling his professional association with Dr Chandrashekar during their service at a government hospital, Dr Bhandary said he had personally witnessed the latter's commitment to medical service. He pointed out that Dr Chandrashekar has been responding to emergency calls at any hour, irrespective of a patient's identity or financial background, and has continued such selfless service for nearly three decades.
"An administrative mistake should be corrected by the concerned department. A person who has done no wrong should not have to pay the price for it," Dr Bhandary stated.
Clarifying that he had no objection to the selection of G U Bhat, whose name was subsequently included in the award list, Dr Bhandary said his appeal was solely to ensure justice for Dr Chandrashekar. He urged the Karnataka and Udupi branches of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to submit an official protest to the government.
He also appealed to the chief minister and the department of Kannada and Culture to reinstate the Rajyotsava Award announced for Dr Chandrashekar, with Udupi district correctly mentioned.
Dr G S Chandrashekar is the right person, government should correct its mistake - Ansar Ahmed
Speaking exclusively with Daijiworld.com Ansar Ahmed, a social worker, stated, "Dr G S Chandrashekar is the right person for the Rajyotsava Award." It is a shame for the government to announce the award and then again to take it back. Dr G S Chandrashekar has rendered selfless service for the district for over 30 years. He is the only person who would overcome any difficulty and render his service even at 12 am if required. I have witnessed his selfless service in many occasions. It was the government's mistake, and the government should correct it themselves. I urge the state government to reinstate the award declared for Dr G S Chandrashekar. It is a dishonour done to the professional healthcare community."
Umesh A Naik condemns government's decision
Meanwhile, Umesh A Naik of Cherkady has also strongly criticised the government's decision, stating that such an irresponsible decision does not bring credit to the administration.
In his statement, Umesh Naik described Adarsha Hospital as a reputed healthcare institution in Udupi district and highlighted Dr Chandrashekar's contributions to medical and social service for over 30 years. He said the institution has been a source of hope for the underprivileged through its continued healthcare and social initiatives.
He termed the decision to announce Dr Chandrashekar's name for the prestigious award and subsequently remove it citing a technical error as unfortunate and unjustified.
Withdrawing an award after its announcement amounts to an insult not only to the individual concerned but also to the wider community that recognises and respects his contributions, he said.
Umesh Naik urged the state government to take the matter seriously, rectify the injustice and re-announce the Rajyotsava Award in Dr Chandrashekar's name in recognition of his longstanding service.
The demand for reinstating the award has gained attention in Udupi, with calls growing for the government to correct the alleged administrative error and recognise Dr Chandrashekar's three decades of dedicated service.