Chikkamagaluru: It was a significant Tuesday for residents of Naxal affected Mundugaru and surrounding tribal hamlets falling in Kudremukh National Park of Chikkamagaluru district as they for the first time got power connections to their houses sponsored by Udupi Pejawar Math.
In all 126 houses were provided power connections with the cooperation of Mangaluru Electricity Supply Company (MESCOM) and the forest department and in a symbolic gesture, pontiff of Pejawar Math, Visvesha Theertha Swamiji inaugurated the power supply to the hamlets at a function at Mundugaru hamlet. Besides, the renovated temples of Mariyamma and Mahakali worshipped by tribal people were also opened by the pontiff.
One of the oldest Girijan hamlets, Mundugaru grabbed attention because of Naxal leader Mundugaru Latha who hails from this village. Tribals in Mundugaru and surrounding areas cultivate paddy among others grains in an organic way and these hamlets have remained away from the modern world.
Since, these hamlets for centuries have been deprived of basic amenities, some activists drew the attention of the Pejawar Math to the plight of the tribals and responding to the pleas of the activists, the Math released Rs 33 lakh for power supply, restoration of tribal temples among others. On power supply to the hamlets, an activist told Deccan Chronicle that the power line is drawn from Kere Gram Panchayat which is 22 km from the hamlet and after an inspection, the houses would be electrified.
“Math’s objective is that people in tribal hamlets should not feel they are subjected to exploitation. They should believe in democracy. We also intend to create awareness on their rights and instill in them a sense of social responsibility,” said a math functionary. The functionary said, “Around 800 houses in naxal affected villages have been electrified in Shivamogga, Udupi, DK and Chikkamagaluru.”
