After objections raised by local members of the religious fraternity and various Sanyasi Akhadas in Haridwar regarding the location and manner in which the life size statue of celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar was being installed near the Shankaracharya Chowk, the authorities shifted the idol to another location late on Tuesday night to prevent the situation from escalating.
Those who opposed the placement of the statue averred that the authorities had taken a one-sided decision on the location of the statue at Shankaracharya Chowk already dedicated to the great seer Adi Shankaracharya who is also the founder of the Sanyasi order observed in India.
Though the issue was resolved for the time being on Tuesday night, the incident has elicited focus on the stance of the Government authorities and other bodies lacking a balanced approach towards varied aspects of religious and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. On condition of anonymity, a noted personality in the field of traditional art and culture opined that installation of Thiruvalluvar in Haridwar was a positive action which should be welcomed, but not in the manner the authorities tried earlier.
He said, “Installing idols and other features related to great personalities from different Indian States should be done across the nation which will not only make the public aware of our great history, heritage and personalities but also strengthen national integration. However, the reaction elicited from some members of the religious fraternity in Haridwar should make the authorities consider the reason for the negligible presence of idols and other displays based on the great personalities of Uttarakhand who had made considerable contributions in various spheres including religion and spirituality, philosophy, environmental conservation, socio-cultural activities and other native forms of handicraft, arts, music and other aspects which were appreciated not only in Uttarakhand but also across the nation and beyond.”
Another observer said, “Barring a few statues, busts and motley monuments to martyrs and some activists, there is little in public areas to make the people aware of the history and great personalities who had achieved much in spheres ranging from the battle field and social-environmental activities to religious and spiritual world. How many people of Uttarakhand know personalities like Jasuli Saukyani for example, the wealthy widow who had got constructed more than 100 Dharmshalas in the 19th century along the trade/pilgrimage route to Tibet-Kailash Mansarovar from Haldwani to the Johar valley in the high Himalayas of Pithoragarh district during British ruleIJ”
