-News n Pics : Anand Kumar Barkur
Barkur, March 22 — The Hindu Rudra Bhoomi (cremation ground) "Rudramoksha Sthanam," constructed by the Barkur Hosala Public Hindu Rudra Bhoomi Development Committee, was officially inaugurated and dedicated to the public on March 22.
The inauguration was performed by Ramesh P.K., Project Officer of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Grama Abhivruddhi Yojane, Brahmaavara Taluk, while Kudli Srinivas Uduva planted a Bilva (Bel) sapling to mark the occasion.
The event fulfilled a long-standing demand of the residents of this area. The dedicated efforts of Gram Panchayat member Sharanu Pujari and his team in bringing this project to fruition were widely praised.
MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi, who inaugurated the programme, addressed the gathering and commended the initiative, noting that instead of waiting for the government to handle everything, local donors had come together to build a well-equipped cremation ground in this area. He emphasized that proper maintenance of the facility would be essential going forward, and assured the community that he would be committed to securing government grants for its upkeep wherever possible.
The Rudra Bhoomi was formally handed over to the Barkur Gram Panchayat during the event.
Among the dignitaries present were B. Shantaram Shetty (Former President, Barkur Gram Panchayat), Shyama Sundara Shetty (Headmaster, Hosala Government Higher Primary School), Mahesh K. (PDO, Barkur Gram Panchayat), Vandana Srinivas Uduva Kudli (PDO, Pandeshwara), former Gram Panchayat President Shaila D'Souza, Devadas Hoskere, Praveen Gadiyar, Kushala Pujari, Prakash Tantri, and Udayakumar.
Donors who contributed to the construction of the Rudra Bhoomi were honoured at the ceremony. Gram Panchayat member Sharanu Pujari, who worked tirelessly towards making the project a reality, delivered the welcome address and introductory remarks. The programme was compered by teacher Satish Chitrpadi.