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Puttur: Shri Subrahmanya Swamiji Leads Protest against Bad Roads

  •   Thu, Dec 27 2007 08:30:14 AM

Puttur: Shri Subrahmanya Swamiji Leads Protest against Bad Roads

from special correspondent (mb) with pics by Mahesh Puchchappady
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Coordination: Richie Lasrado

Subrahmanya, Dec 27: This town, the abode of Shri Kukke Subrahmanya deity, is one of the most-visited pilgrimage centres around Mangalore. It has been attracting even Bollywood stars, cricket heroes and politicians alike. Located in the picturesque lap of the Bisale range of the Western Ghats, it provides peace and tranquillity to the visitors.

But the state of roads leading from different directions, whether to the taluk headquarters of Sullia via Guttigar, or the commercial centre of Puttur via Savanur, or the one joining NH 48 at Gundya or those leading to other pilgrimage centres like Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, leaves much to be desired.

Bollywood's evergreen Dream Girl Hema Malini, who visited this place with her two daughters a few months ago, was reportedly horrified by the state of the roads and, on her way back, decided to return to the airport via Sullia, the road leading to which town, was regarded as the lesser of the two evils.

The lethargy of the elected representatives, added to by the recent fall of the state government, had led to the pathetic state of the roads here. The centre reportedly receives the second largest collection of funds in terms of devotees' offerings in the district. The temple sources said that the management had been offering to maintain at least the Sullia-Subrahmanya road regularly for the benefit of the devotees at its own expense. But it is said to have been turned down by the officials, maybe citing rules of the book that no private management of the public roads is admissible. (The public here say that the officials are unwilling to give up their hold and grip over the road contracts. It would be unwise to ask why. The reason is an open secret, say the public here.) That leaves the pot-hole-ridden roads to the people's lot.

Shri Vidyaprasanna Tirtha Shripada Swamiji heads the Shri Narasimha Samputa Math, which is a separate entity, in Subrahmanya. A well-read person - and Internet-savvy too - he is said to be regularly keeping himself abreast of the things happening around. Those who have met will certainly vouch for his concern for the society, public welfare, the environment and related issues.

His burning desire to feel for the people again came to light on Thursday, December 26 when he zealouly involved himself with a people's movement for better roads. The 40-km Subrahmanya-Savanur road further leading to Puttur has not had the privilege of being fully bituminized for over 4 decades. Once in a blue moon, it has been getting the charity of patchwork here and there.

Recently, a road struggle committee has been formed under the lead of Panja Panchashri Jaycees, a service organization.  Its activists were joined by over 150 different organizations on Thursday, December 26, with thousands of people coming to the streets to voice their protest against the bad state of the Savanur road. The protest went on all along the 40-km road, by blocking it all along.

The apolitical movement, without allowing any political leaders to take mileage or advantage from it, was launched by the Swamiji at Kumaradhara. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the roads have been arteries for the public and it was the people's right to have good roads and not a privilege. He declared that he had to take a plunge into the agitation since the elected representatives and officials had shown scant regard for the people's needs and demands.

The Swamiji addressed the agitators at various points like Panja, Padpinangadi, Subrahmanya, Punchattaru, Kaniyoor, Nintikal etc. Since the roads were free of traffic, the agitators held symbolic games like throwball,l carrom and shuttle. Banana and Colocasia plants were seen being planted in potholes at different spots. Hundreds of local community leaders joined the Swamiji in the agitation.

The Swamiji also contacted the officials concerned in Mangalore and Bangalore, who are said to have given assurances to bring back the road to motorable condition by January 15, 2008. Only thereafter the agitation was withdrawn.

While the public were so happy that the head of a religious institution took upon himself to respond to the public sentiments, the Swamiji thanked people for so enthusiastically takin part in thousands for a good cause.

This has proved that a concerted public move, pursued with the single-minded goal and selfless determination, can bring about instant results.

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Celebrity Rush to Temples around Mangalore:

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Comment on this article

  • Purushottama, Byndoor

    Fri, Dec 28 2007

    I think that the roads were damaged because many political, sports, cinema heavyweights come to the Kshethra and may be this weight is too much for the road to bear! Our Dharmasingh had come several times to perform Tulabhara though we consider politicians as Bhoo- Bhaara !

    However it may not be fair to absolve the Government to absolve of its duties to mainatain good roads just because a religious place is getting money on a large scale. Even if the Government takes over the Temple will the 'money eating' habit go ???Not at all.

    There could hardly be any religious place where greedy people will not enter.Where there is money there will be corruption. But have faith in God and when you visit the religious places dont pour your money there. Just pray there thats all.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohankumar, valencia,mangalore

    Thu, Dec 27 2007

    Karnataka state Government Endowment Dept.should take over Shri Subrahmanya Temple,because crores of income of this temple eaten by management people and temple poojaries,income of this temple should be spent for roads and good facility for devotees.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse


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