Pics by Sphoorty Ulla
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (CN)
Mangalore, Jun 19: The event ‘Kuncha Kahale’, organized by Orchid Art Gallery, was inaugurated at Sandesha Foundation, Bajjodi, by Fr Valerian Mendonca, director of Sandesha, on Saturday June 19.
The chief guest of the programme was Walter Mendonca, president, Catholic Sabha, and prominent artists from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi participated in the campaign.
The artists of the coastal region painted on a 40-meter long canvas and depicted the effect of Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) and industries on the green coastal belt. The paintings had one simple message—‘Go away MSEZ. Do not turn the fertile land into a desert’.
Speaking to Daijiworld, Jeevan A S, a freelance visual artist from the city, said that the MSEZ has played with the historical and traditional sentiments of the coastal belt by demolishing houses and temples of the ‘Bhootas’ with cranes while acquiring land unlawfully.
“‘Bhootas’ are part of the historical roots of the coastal region and the sentiments of the people are engraved in these temples which connect the present to the past of the land. A lot of research is still being conducted on the subject all over the world due to its rich and unique culture and it’s not right for the government to harm the people and the unique culture of the land which is the soul of the people”, he added.
“The fragile and eco-sensitive DK and Udupi districts have witnessed acquisition of fertile farmlands in the recent past. These will be turned into a desert. Being responsible artists and citizens, we have to oppose the destruction and it is our right” said Vasanth Rao, an artist from Udupi.
William Pais, proprietor, Orchid Art Gallery, said that the government should help the people of the region live in peace.
The protest campaign by the artists was supposed to be held on Saturday May 22, but due to the Air India plane crash, it was postponed.
The artists wanted to hold it in front of the DC office, but due to heavy rains it was shifted to Sandesha.