Udupi’s Narayana Guru Circle Removal Sparks Public Outrage, Prompting Swift Reinstallation
Udupi: The sudden, unannounced removal of Udupi’s officially designated Narayana Guru Circle sparked immediate public outrage and swift demands for restoration. Authorities responded by reinstalling the circle at its original site Sunday evening after the move drew strong condemnation from community leaders and citizens alike.
The Karnataka state government formally sanctioned naming the Bannanje Circle after Brahmashree Narayana Guru on November 16, 2022. This was done through an order rooted in a resolution from a Udupi City Municipality general meeting. The decision followed Section 211 of the Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964. It led to the installation of a dedicated circle structure.
Reports indicate that the Udupi Traffic Police initiated the removal, citing concerns over traffic congestion exacerbated by narrow roads in the area. The Narayana Guru Circle was purportedly replaced with a smaller traffic island bearing a “Bank of Baroda” nameplate.
The abrupt removal of the circle, dedicated to the revered Brahmashree Narayana Guru, elicited strong disapproval from various quarters.
Praveen M. Poojary, the Udupi district president of a local forum, articulated the community’s outrage in a press release. “This act is a grave disrespect to Brahmashree Narayana Guru,” Poojary stated, demanding an immediate explanation from the district administration and threatening widespread community mobilization if a satisfactory response was not forthcoming.
Former Udupi MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat echoed the sentiment, stating, “Removing the Narayana Guru Circle without any notice is unacceptable. Those responsible must be identified and action taken. The city municipality should construct a well-designed Narayana Guru Circle. If not, we will launch a strong protest.”
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna demanded immediate punitive measures, asserting, “Those who removed the circle should be arrested. A well-planned and decorated circle with a statue of Narayana Guru must be constructed at Bannanje. Until that is done, the previously removed circle should be reinstalled temporarily.”
Responding to the burgeoning public outcry, Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar directed the city traffic police to reinstall the circle at its original site. The reinstallation was completed on Sunday evening.
In an official statement, SP Hariram Shankar acknowledged the situation, stating, “We were informed that the traffic circle named after Narayana Guru at Bannanje was removed due to oversight. It has now been reinstalled at the same location.” The incident underscores the significance of respecting officially designated landmarks and the importance of community consultation in decisions impacting public spaces.