Justin Erol Dsilva

Daijiworld Media Network - Hassan

Hassan, Feb 28: At a time when religious harmony in our country seems to be under threat, a family in Sakaleshpur, Hassan are hailed as role-model for propagating true Indian values.

The family of Late B V Shankar and Kamalamma, a prominent Lingayat family of the region are caretakers of a Grotto of Lady of Lourdes, which is built on their property.

B V Shankar had brought the house and coffee estate from Karlin Govias, who was an affluent person from a Christian family. Govias had built a Grotto in his property in 1972 and many Christians used to visit the Grotto to offer prayers.

Soon, people started testifying that their prayers are being heard after praying to the Lady of Lourdes. Many people also got married near the statue of Lourdes. Over the years, the Grotto became a holy place for the Christian community.

However, the story took a turn when Karlin Govias sold his property to a non-Catholic family. When Govias sold the property, he took only Rs 1 as advance and a promise from Shankar that the Grotto should be protected.

Now, almost 48 years since the installation of the statue, Shankar and his family have kept up to their promise. They allow people of all religions to visit their property to offer prayers.

However, it has not been easy for the Shankar family. They had to face criticisms from the members of their religion. It is said that some local religious leaders objected the Grotto and asked the family to demolish the same. However, the family decided that they will stand true to their promise, no matter the situation.

When the family was further pressurized, they approached Siddhaganaga Seer. The seer instructed the family to respect the beliefs of the Christian faithful and keep the Grotto.

Another incident that is often remembered is Kamalamma challenging a mob to kill her before touching the statue. When communal violence incidents took place in the 1980s, a mob entered B V Shankar’s estate to destroy the statue. Kamalamma was alone in the house. However, when she saw the mob, she stood in front of the statue and asked the mob to kill her first. The mob returned without harming Kamalamma nor the statue.

Every February, a Holy Eucharistic Mass is held near the Grotto and attended by hundreds of Christians. Shankar family sponsors the fellowship meal on that day.

The tradition is taken over by B V Hemanth, son of late B V Shankar. Flowers and prayers are offered to the statue of Lady of Lourdes. The family also offers flowers to the photograph of Late Karlin Govias as a tribute. Every day, hundreds of people visit this place and offer prayers and offerings. The family treats everyone with respect and love and have made a place in the hearts of the people.

The statue of Lady of Lourdes has become a symbol of communal harmony in Sakleshpur.