Udupi: Unique Protest - Nityananda Olakadu Mimicks Nityananda Swamy
Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jun 29: The Jilla Nagarika Samiti had organized a new form of protest against the hike in oil and LPG prices brought in by the central government, resignation of the Lokayukta, and the corruptive practices of the state government. Samiti’s general secretary, Nityananda Olakadu, donned the role of self-styled godman, Nityananda Swamy, for some time, by mimicking the recent ‘Panchagni’ penance performed by the latter, on Monday June 28.
Olakadu performed his ‘penance’ in the premises of SMSP Sanskrit College here. Rolled gunny bags soaked in gingelly oil were arranged to form a circle. Camphors were placed along the length of the gunny bags, before fire was started. Olakadu in the garb of a Hindu godman, entered the circle and started mimicking the penance, duly holding a garland of Rudraksha beads in one hand and a placard against corruption in the other. LPG cylinders bearing placards spelling out demands of the Samiti were stacked at three different places.
The ‘penance’ continued for about 20 minutes, and Olakadu periodically opened his eyes to see whether his farce had attracted enough people or not.