Bengaluru: Expressing harmony between the people of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the statue of great poet Sarvajna was installed in Chennai after poet Thiruvalluvar's was unveiled at Ulsoor in Bengaluru in 2009.
But the heat of the ongoing Cauvery water imbroglio has touched these idols of diplomacy. After attempts were made by the fringe elements to damage the Thiruvalluvar statue in Bengaluru, security has been beefed up in the area.
Mr N Ramachandran, president, Kannada-Tamil Harmony and Social Welfare Trust, told Deccan Chronicle, “The relationship between an upper riparian state and a lower riparian state which depends on sharing of water has historically remained not so satisfactory. So was the case between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.”
In 2009, efforts were made by both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments to improve the diplomacy between the states. Statues of these two literary icons were installed in the two states. But some fringe elements are trying to disturb the harmony between Kannadigas and Tamilians which should not be encouraged, he said.
Mr Manu Baligar, president of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, said, “Nonviolent protests and a strong legal battle is what is needed now. These statues of literature should not be damaged and adequate security has to be provided for the idols by both states.”
