Malingaraya Pujar, CH NEWS
The Bendre Bhavan in Shirahatti, the ancestral town of renowned Kannada poet D.R. Bendre, is reportedly lying in a state of neglect, triggering concern among local residents, literary enthusiasts and Kannada organisations.
The cultural centre was constructed at considerable public expense with the objective of promoting literary and cultural activities and honouring the legacy of Bendre. However, residents allege that the building has failed to serve its intended purpose, with few significant literary or cultural programmes being organised there. The premises have reportedly remained largely unused and poorly maintained.
The building is currently under the control of the Shirahatti Town Panchayat. Residents claim that the premises are filled with garbage, dust, thorny vegetation and discarded materials. Cleaning equipment, waste bins and old tools used by the civic body have also reportedly been stored on the premises, giving the cultural centre the appearance of a neglected storage area.
Local residents further alleged that the lack of proper supervision has resulted in the premises being misused after dark. They claimed that miscreants and drunkards frequently gather there, raising concerns over the safety and sanctity of the memorial building. Residents have urged the authorities to take immediate steps to restore the premises and prevent further misuse.
Citizens and Kannada organisations have demanded that the Town Panchayat remove all garbage and unwanted materials, clean the entire premises and appoint security personnel. They also suggested that the civic body work with the Kannada Sahitya Parishat and other cultural organisations to organise regular literary and cultural programmes at the venue.
Residents have appealed to district authorities and officials of the Kannada and Culture Department to intervene and revive the Bendre Bhavan.
Shirahatti Town Panchayat Chief Officer N.M. Hadimani said immediate steps would be taken to clean the Bendre Bhavan and that programmes related to the Town Panchayat and literature would be organised at the venue.
