Meditation pyramid inauguration cancelled at last moment

The stage was set, chairs were put, welcome arch was ready, many people including senior citizens had come, children in Bharatanatya dress for welcome dance were waiting, and even breakfast was kept ready for serving.

But, the much-hyped inauguration of the meditation pyramid near Nrupatunga Betta in the City, which was scheduled on Tuesday, was cancelled at the last moment. At the time when the inauguration function was scheduled to be held, the stage was being dismantled. Without having prior information about this, MP Pralhad Joshi also visited the pyramid, and he expressed ire against Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority (HDUDA) officials.

In the absence of other dignitaries, Mr Joshi unofficially 'inaugurated' the pyramid by inspecting the facility, and by performing meditation inside the pyramid for a few minutes.

"Only in the morning, we came to know that Urban Development Minister R Roshan Baig and District In-charge Minister Vinay Kulkarni are not available for the function. We want this important facility to be inaugurated in the presence of all dignitaries, and therefore, we cancelled it. Consulting all people's representatives, we will fix another date soon, after completing some minor works," HDUDA Chairman Anwar Mudhol said.

He also apologised for the inconvenience caused due to the cancellation of the function. When asked about the expenditure already made for the arrangements, he said, "we will see how much is spent and how can we compensate it".

Nrupatunga Betta Vayuviharigala Sangha General Secretary Siddu Mogalishettar lamented that the cancellation of the function was a big disappointment, as the Sangha had campaigned for this by visiting hundreds of houses, preparations were made since last 15 days, while people were also eager about the new facility.

Even several Congress Party leaders had no information about the cancellation of the function, and they visited the pyramid site, but left the place later.

By the way, the foundation stone for developing meditation pyramid was laid in 2011 itself, and it was ready for inauguration now.

Condemned

"Cancelling my programme related to the Railways, I rushed here to attend this function, as I was not informed about the cancellation of the function. I have an information that Mr Roshan Baig receiving notice from the Enforcement Directorate is the reason for this," MP Pralhad Joshi said.

He also took the officials including HDUDA Commissioner Ningappa Kummannanavar to task for not informing him, when they noted that they could not contact him, though they visited the residence of Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar.

After continuous efforts, the meditation pyramid has been developed at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore. For its 'cancelled inauguration', more than Rs four lakh might have been spent, and thus, public money is wasted, Mr Joshi added.

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar noted that the incident showed how irresponsible the government was.

"HDUDA fixed the inauguration date consulting me and the ministers, and it was in a hurry for the inauguration. When I was informed that ministers cannot come, I asked HDUDA chairman to get it inaugurated by available leaders. But, they were not ready for that," he said.