A memorial in utter neglect

Not many know that the Ramaswamy circle is not just a junction but a fitting tribute to a teenaged boy who laid down his life for a democratic set up in the then Mysore State, writes Sreekantswamy B.

A  circle in the city still stands testimony to the post independence movement in the then Mysore State. The very uniqueness also makes the junction distinct among other circles in the city.

Ramaswamy circle that connects JLB road and Chamaraja double road is that historical junction which is also a memorial.

The story dates back to the period of rule of Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, the 25th and last ruler of erstwhile Mysore State. Though India had attained independence, princely rule was still alive in the State.

On September 13, 1947, a movement began with people from several parts of the State descending on the city demanding for the installation of a democratic government. To be precise it was called- Javabdari sarkara (responsible government). 

The agitators especially youth in large numbers had taken out protest rallies from different sides. A huge procession came out from Maharaja college side, and an eighth standard student from Hardwicke School (formerly Methodist School), situated close to five lights circle was also in the procession. 

The boy in his teens was none other than Ramaswamy, who jumped into the movement. In no time, the agitation took a violent turn with the mob refusing to disperse until and unless their demands were met.

A martyr

The police had to resort to cane the agitators to quell the movement. Ramaswamy, climbed the lamp post, thus becoming the cynosure of all the eyes. He refused to alight defying the orders of then deputy commissioner Nagaraj Rao, who was armed with a pistol. Ramaswamy had to pay a price for it, with the officer shooting at him from his gun thus killing him on the spot.

Ramaswamy, who was till then a mere student turned a martyr overnight, senior journalist Echanur Kumar told City Herald. 

Following huge demand from several quarters, the circle till then known as five lights, was rechristened as ‘Ramaswamy’ in the later years.

A native of Banavara in Hassan district, Ramaswamy was put up at his aunt’s house in Halladakeri in Mysore.

It was in the 1980’s Kannada activist Na Nagalinga Swamy who was inspired by the courage shown by a teenager, took initiative and forced the local body to install a memorial in the place. A stone made plaque was erected in the centre of the road.

The ceremony was hosted at the circle itself with veteran freedom fighter M N Jois being the chief guest. Ramaswamy’s aunt was also felicitated on the occasion.

When the plaque was damaged in a freak mishap, another newly made plaque was installed at the circle island. The inscription on the plaque reads as follows; Banavarada Ramaswamy bin Thammaiah, born on 13/09/1930 and died on 13/09/1947, with the carvings of lion, peacock and flower atop.

Though a memorial, it remains a circle, thanks to the callousness on the part of local body which has derived satisfaction by installing the plaque, leave aside making it a fitting memorial suffice to tell the world about its significance.