Our Ajjarkadu, By Anusha III BA HEP , Prathibha III BA HEP

 

Our Ajjarkadu

    The name has its own music for the students of Dr. G. Shankar Government Women’s College and PG Study Centre. The college is located in Ajjarkadu…our Ajjarkadu!

    Apart from our college, what fascinated us and drew us into its companionship was the Bhujanga Park, popularly known as the Ajjarkadu Park. As we walk from the college towards the Taluk Office to catch our bus, the park beckons us. And, if time permits, we oblige. Adjacent to the Park is Diana. For the people of Udupi ‘Diana’ means three things - the Diana Circle where express buses stop, the Diana theatre in Kukkikatte and of course the Diana Restaurant in Ajjarkadu. Invariably and unwittingly, on Saturdays, our legs make its way to Diana.

    Most of our college memories centers around our college, the Diana Restaurant and of course the Ajjarkadu Park. But it was only recently that we realized that our academic and camaraderie hub, Ajjarkadu, has a history of its own. It is indeed our pride to share this history.

    February 25, 1934 – it was the time of the Freedom Movement. Gandhi made his maiden and in fact only visit to Udupi on this historic day. Ajjarkadu was the place that Gandhi addressed the people of the Coastal Region. In mark of that historic event a bust of Gandhi has been erected in the middle of the park. A radio tower stands quite close to the bust. 

    Gandhiji had come to Udupi as part of his tour for collection of funds for the uplift of the weaker sections of society and also to promote temple entry for the weaker sections through a consensus. Yet another objective was to garner funds for relief of persons affected by the 1933 floods in Bihar.  

    Gandhiji toured the Coastal Region in a car. But as there were many rivers and rivulets in the erstwhile Coastal Belt, Gandhi and his car were ferried in a barge which was then called jungal and taken from one bank of the river to another. On this historic day, is has been recorded, that Gandhiji was welcomed in Udupi at 3.30 pm by philanthropist Haji Abdullah Saheb. After inaugurating a Khadi Bhavan at Kadabettu, Gandhiji went to Ajjarkadu to deliver his address to people. The Kannada Weekly Rashtrabandhu reported that nearly 3000 people attended the meeting.

    In his address to the people, which were reported by the Hindu on February 28, 1934, Gandhi urged the people to create public opinion for opening temples for weaker sections. The Ajjarkadu Speech has been published in The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (Volume 57). Gandhi stressed the fact that opinion in this regard could be formulated only through the gentlest of means. And of course, Gandhi did not forget to point out that Udupi is the place where Lord Krishna had turned himself to give darshan to the Saint/Composer Kanakadasa at the Sri Krishna Temple. And, Gandhi is also said to have harped on his pet theme – the removal of untouchability. We were also surprised to learn that during his visit to Udupi Gandhi received a donation of Rupees 1,240/-!!!

    Ever since we came to know the history, ever since we dug into the archives, our fascination for Ajjarkadu has only increased. But now, along with fascination and nostalgia, there is a distinct feeling of respect and pride for our Ajjarkadu!

Anusha III BA HEP

Prathibha III BA HEP

 

 

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