Mangalore, October 3: A unique kind of protest under the banner “Sude maaruna maarilu” (evil forces that sell the river), on October 2nd on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi; in which Slogans and speech was absent.
A novel protest was organised in front of the DK DC office gate, in which a team of women protested by beating drums and reciting ’Paddadanas’ a form of Tulu song, drawing the attention of public.
Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya which has been raising its voice against Yettinahole project resorted to the novel way of protesting. A crew of 12 artistes drawn from women self-help groups in Bantwal and Mangalore taluks sang paddadanas to mark the protest on saving environment. The team led by Kutharu Thimmakka sang aloud, while another villager who was seated aside was weaving a traditional mat.
Six earthen pots filled with water from river Nethravathi and a few words inscribed on it were placed in front of the stage. It read: “Mother Nethravathi is like a God. Hurting Nethravathi is akin of abusing God. Are you going to save Nethravathi or destroy her?”
Dinesh Holla, Convener of Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya said that the pots displayed would be handed over to the MLAs and ministers from D K district. The words inscribed on the pots query the elected representatives to decide whether they wish to harm or protect Netravati.
Protesters forced the elected representatives who have failed to take up the cause of river Nethravathi to resign. “We have been doing our best to halt the project. The new concept of protest through paddadanas has been initiated as villagers are closely connected to the environment.
He said, all the artistes who took part in this protest are aware of the cause of this protest and hope that they pass this message in their village”.
