Garadi problems to be settled shortly, says Kagodu Thimmappa

Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa said revenue problems related to Garadis in the district will be settled by legalising the rights of the land within three months.

Speaking at the Udupi district-level Garadi Gurikarara Sammelana organised by Udupi Zilla Billava Yuva Vedike, the minister said he will furnish the legal formalities through tahsildars after procuring the survey numbers. Funds can be released through Muzrai departments for the repair and upgradation of Garadis, he said.

He said grants will be provided for the renovation of Garadis and construction of new Garadis after holding a meeting with officials. Gurikaras should be given a decent honorarium similar to that of the priests in the temples, he stressed.

Thimmappa said caste system is inbuilt and the discrimination between the upper caste and the lower caste communities is of a greater proportion.

Earlier inaugurating the Sammellana, Rajya Sabha member B K Hariprasad said education is the only way out for the lower classes to be empowered.

He said morale is the most essential quality of the human calibre. Besides, individuals should stand for justice by raising voice against injustices similar to that of Koti Chennaya.The discrimination is deep rooted and the lower caste and class people should use their political rights to come out of the disparities. Education and political strength are the two strong weapons to empower the lower caste, he said.

Hariprasad said change is the need of the hour and changes should conclude in the social, economic and political freedom. Only one percent of the total population in the country holds sway on nearly 60 percent of the total wealth. Social empowerment will enable civil rights, he said quoting the instances  of Mahatma Jyotibha Phule and Ambedkar. Dharma is the way for peaceful life and not the weapon to use against each in the name of fundamentalism, he said. He urged the community members to help their community to come forward. Garadi is the worship centre for Billava community people, he added.
District In-charge Minister Pramod Madhwaraj said priests who work in Garadis are victimised.

Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar demanded a special package to Garadi culture and also for the renovation of Garadis.

Gurikaras from across the district were felicitated on the occasion.