Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/MS)

Udupi, Sep 3: People of Udupi are in the mood of celebrating Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Thousands of locals and devotees from faraway places are already in Udupi to watch the grand sight of 'Krishna Leelotsava'. However, there is a suspicion that a silent business of extorting money from the gullible people is going on from the undoubting public.

Many social activists don costumes of unique style with a good motive in mind and ask for a donation from the people for a good cause. Many of these activists are well-known to the public. Always a team works behind such activists. However, today the phenomenon is changing. People of Udupi are generous. They will not say no to any donation seekers and give the help according to their capacity.

As the years go by, the number of people donning various costumes during the festive season is increasing. The fake artists also know that this is an easy way of making money. In the olden days children used to seek donations by painting their faces with some character and go around from one house to another. They used to take whatever money was given to them. However, now we are observing the activity of systematic extortion in the name of donation.

Now many teams are trying to extort money from the public on the pretext of helping poor children. It is also learnt that vehicles are being forcefully stopped in the main junctions of the city and money is being extorted from them. However, according to superintendent of police (SP) Laxman Nimbargi, police do not have any complaint or information with regards to this menace. They will take action if the same is brought to their notice.

The public of Udupi might have noticed a person wearing a costume with a box for collection of money, seeking donation with people of his or her team around. In addition, photos of differently-abled and sick children and banners in which the medical expenses that need to be borne in order for these children to become alright are a common sight in the city.

A situation is created among the public wherein there is a strong belief that the artists who used to don costumes in order to entertain the public in olden days have got into the process of extorting money from the people by quoting the name of helpless families.

Does the money which is collected reach the needy? Whether this costume trick is becoming a business of extortion or not, there is a need for people to be aware of the same. There is no doubt that there are people among us who really serve the society through their noble acts. However, we cannot totally ignore the fact that there are some strangers who are trying to take advantage of the festival time. It is better if the donors give some thought on these lines before donating money. Otherwise, activities of this kind, which play with the emotions of people and make easy money, will continue unabated.