DHNS

Udupi August 17: Mahatma Gandhi had visited Udupi on February 25, 1934, with the aim of organising freedom struggle in this part of the country.

It is said that he had crossed the rivers in the region with a simple canoe to reach Udupi and held public meet here and stayed for a day at the residence of Ramaraya in Ajjarakadu. But unfortunately this house which should have been restored as a memory of Mahatma is now in deplorable condition.

Though there are no written records or substantial evidence that Gandhiji stayed here, the only source for this are the elderly who say that the house was worth being managed and safeguarded as it carried memories of Gandhiji.

Ironically, Mahatma Gandhi throughout his life opposed alcohol but this house was used as a go-down to store liquor till recent years. The house was rescued from the clutches of alcohol only after the State government banned liquor in the State.

The owner of the house, Ramaraya had sold the house to Mangalore based entrepreneur who later used the house as a go-down to store wine and liquor, fully aware of the fact that Mahatma Gandhiji had once resided there.

The roof of this abandoned house has stooped towards the ground and can collapse anyday soon. Some of the tiles from the roof have been stolen.

Freedom fighter Shambhu Shetty says that he does not remember where Gandhiji resided as he was stationed in Mulky those days. But he is sure that Gandhiji was welcomed by Corporation Bank founder Haji Abdullah during his visit to Udupi as freedom struggle had bagged immense support from local Muslim community those days.

Government has chalked out special plans to restore momuments related to freedom struggle as a part of the year long Independence day celebration.

But no mention has been made to restore this house where Gandhiji once stayed.  A ‘Katte’ has been built as memory of Gandhiji’s visit right at the place where he addressed the people near Ajjarakadu Maidan.

A statue of Gandhiji has also been installed. In addition to this, the proprietor of Ideal studio has a rare collection of the photographs of Gandhiji during his visit to Udupi, thereby keeping the memories of Gandhiji’s visit alive.

It is indeed a tragedy that the house where the Father of India stayed for a day is counting its last days passing through the 60th Independence celebration.