Dhanvantari Park in JP Nagar II phase has been in the news recently. The move to install an idol of Dhanvantari, regarded as the god of Ayurveda and a shelter for the same, has become a controversy. Some residents including Kannada litterateur K Marulasiddappa were concerned that a shrine was getting built in a public space, in violation of rules, as per a report in The Hindu, dated December 5th.
Work stalled at Dhanvantari park. Pic: Sangeetha Ramakrishnan.
“Dhanwantari Park is not connected to any caste or religion. The idol of Dhanwanthari has been donated by the Bank of Baroda, JP Nagar branch which is situated just opposite to the park,” explains Dr Meundi, President of JP Nagar Citizens’ Association. “We planned to construct a shelter for the idol to protect it from bird droppings and rain. We don’t have any intention to build a temple in this park”, he added.
When the controversy erupted, the association was about to take up some work around the idol, to make it beautiful. Then Narayanaswamy, Joint Director of Horticulture stopped the work to clear the air. The JP Nagar Association had planted some medicinal trees, according to Dr Meundi.
“As Dhanwanthari is the father of Ayurveda, we thought of installing an idol. But if the public doesn’t want it, we are fine with that, as our main intention is to protect our environment and save the greenery of Bangalore,” says another JPNCA member who does not want to be named. Nataraj, a former corporator of the area says, they will look into the matter, once the elections are over.
“This statue issue is being politicised unnecessarily,” concludes D N Ramakrishna, Secretary of JP Nagar Citizens’ Association.
Health Camp at JP Nagar
Swasahaya, a registered NGO, along with Lions club of Sarakki, in collaboration with Manipal Heart Hospital conducted a free heart checkup camp at the Lions club premises in JP Nagar 2nd Phase.
The camp was inaugurated by B N Vijayakumar, Jayanagar MLA And Governor of Dist 324-D, Lion P R S Chethan.The response to the camp was excellent and a large number of people came for the checkup. ⊕
This is the story of India! Any good work or intention is stopped by a weird caste or religion nut who quickly gathers a few goondas and tries to show off his “prowess.”
With green spaces shrinking in the city, it would be best if these spaces are left alone with their greenery..I see it happening in other parks too..first pavers for the paths (really hard on the knees of older people), then gazebos, manicured and controlled gardens and lawns, then signs that children and dogs are not allowed and so on. Why cannot we just allow nature to take its own course and have free and open spaces which everyone including children and dogs can enjoy?