Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Oct 2: Since the last couple of years, several seventh standard students of the government model higher primary school Hejmady have been suffering from a peculiar problem. The school authorities have now decided to shift the toilet of the school and to demolish the adjoining compound wall, with the hope of putting an end to this ordeal.

Several Hindu as well as Muslim students of the school had frequently experienced hysteric bouts during which, they reached semi-conscious state, with their bodies shaking uncontrollably, and when questioned, they claimed they were the serpent god, who had come to instruct them to demolish the toilet and compound wall of the school. The school administration had enquired with astrologers who said that the serpent god had become angry and that he should be appeased. The religious rituals as suggested, had been undertaken, but the problems prevailed.

The people then approached Muslim priests, as some of the students who suffered hailed from that community. The priests concurred with the findings of the Hindu astrologers. The problem grew chronic during the last couple of weeks and the villagers conducted a meeting, in a bid to get rid of this problem once and for ever.

Astrologer Ucchila Vishwanath Bhat who was consulted on the issue, came up with the theory that the construction of the toilets at the north-eastern corner of the compound had given rise to Vaastu defect, which in turn invoked the wrath of the serpent god. So, he suggested for re-locating of the toilet block at the south-eastern corner. He also opined that the toilet building need not be demolished. Instead, after permanently closing the toilet leach pit and after conducting minor modifications, he advised to use the building for educational purposes. He has also asked for the shifting of the kitchen from the north-west corner to the south-east corner in the coming days.

The village leaders, members of the public, parents of the students, teachers etc., met together at the school premises recently and after offering prayers to various gods and mosques, shifting work was initiated. A small portion of the compound wall on the north-eastern side was demolished. The people will be helping the school in its endeavours to wriggle of this peculiar problem.

Speaking after the people participated in the mass prayer, astrologer Vishwanath Bhat said that north-east corner stands for sanctity and purity and problems arise if one meddles with the cleanliness here. He also asked the children to follow certain instructions towards achieving stability of mind. He also advised the parents to refer their wards to specialist doctors if they show symptoms of psychological disorders.

School Betterment Committee president Asha Shenoy, gram panchayat president Subhas G Salian, ex-gram panchayat president Sudhakar Karkera, Shekhar Hejmady, Sanjeev Shetty, Rolphy D'Costa etc., were present.