Trees transplanted through crowdfunding
It was the initiative of the Action Committee for Environmental Conservation which is an umbrella organisation of various NGOs and groups advocating the cause of environment and entailed raising funds from among its members.
The four Akash Mallige trees, each aged around 15 to 25 years, were transplanted within 5 ft. of their original site. The initiative has drawn the appreciation of the general public and has come as a boost to environmental cause as it comes close on the heels of 40 trees that were felled for widening Hyder Ali Road.
The Action Committee members ensured the moisture of the roots was sustained through wet gunny bags and necessary watering and stablished contact with N.K. Lokanath, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore who approved the idea if it was feasible.
Kamal Gopinath, member of the Committee and Parashurame Gowda of Parisara Balaga, said while the university agreed to lend both manpower and some equipment support, the Action Committee opted to go for crowdfunding from among its member organisations and its members towards meeting the JCB, crane, fertilizer and other requirements.
''Today, we have proved that tree transplantation is possible, cost-effective and not a myth, as the many bureaucrats, real estate interests, and timber lobbyists would have it,' said Mr. Kamal Gopinath.
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The Hindu
02-08-2025
- The Hindu
As govt. gears up to revive Buddhist history in Rajaghatta near Bengaluru, villagers stand divided
'During the first excavation, if we found one brick which we felt was historically significant, we gave it to the researchers. We used to get 10 paise for it,' a farmer working in a field in Rajaghatta, a village in Doddaballapur taluk, in Bengaluru Rural district, recalled. Rajaghatta, which was an ancient settlement of Buddhists probably around the fourth and fifth centuries, is getting ready once again for excavation. On July 16, Tourism Minister H.K. Patil, along with the officials of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, inaugurated the excavation programme to find more relics and artefacts from the ancient period. Boodi gundi Before it caught the eye of some local researchers as well as M.S. Krishnamurthy, formal principal of University of Mysore, a certain area of Rajaghatta has heaps of ashes, earning it the name of 'Boodi Gundi' (pit of ashes) from the locals. However, between 2001 and 2004, led by Mr. Krishnamurthy, excavators discovered that Rajaghatta was one of South Karnataka's prominent centres of Buddhism during the fourth and fifth centuries. Mr. Krishnamurthy said that the foundation of a Buddhist Chaityalaya, formed entirely of bricks, rooms of a Vihaara, a small medallion with an engraving of Buddha, several clay tablets, stupas and much more were found during the initial excavation. Many artifacts that were discovered here are now being kept in the museum of the University of Mysore. Upon the requests of Maha Bodhi Society (MBS), Buddhist Charitable Organization, the State government has once again taken up the excavation with Mr. Krishnamurthy at the helm again. Work is expected to begin post-monsoon. 'While we formally inaugurated the excavation, we will carry it out once monsoon is over as rains slow down the process. The preparation has already begun in a couple of sites and as there were good findings earlier, we want to see what else comes up this time,' Mr. Patil told The Hindu. Villagers divided Krishnappa, who currently owns the land under which the remnants of the Chaityalaya was found, has agreed to give it for excavation. But not all villagers are onboard as the areas where the ancient structures were found are now agricultural lands. Rajaghatta Ravi, a resident of the village who is also working with historians, says, 'Many villagers are not aware of the history. Many of them found artifacts over the years in their fields and just kept it under wraps as they did not want to give up lands. Some of us believe that when there is such a rich history, dating back almost 2,000 years, we should not let it go. That is why we are pulling all stops to ensure Rajaghatta gets is due.' A little behind Krishnappa's land is another agricultural field where an engraved stone, which is supposed to be from a later period of history (probably of Ganga period) is situated. Parijatha, whose family owns the land, says that there is no way they will give up their land for excavation. She said, 'When they cleared the ashes the first time, they checked this stone and said that this is not from the Buddhist settlement period.' Further down is another field filled with cabbage plants where two samadhis (final resting place) of some Buddhist monks are situated. Future plans Once the excavation process is completed, the plan is to make Rajaghatta a tourist site and exhibit its ancient Buddhist history to the public. 'We would like to convince the villagers to make way for excavation in these lands. If they do not agree, then acquisition is inevitable and we would either have to give them land parcels elsewhere or monetary compensation,' Mr. Patil said. 'Rajaghatta is so close to Bengaluru and even to the Bengaluru International Airport. We want the public to know how this was a prominent Buddhist centre once,' said Gopalakrishna, a member of the MBS. 'We want to bring the artifcats that are being kept in University of Mysore here once the excavation is completed and showcase it all together.' Meanwhile, to encourage more villagers to come forth with information, the police have started the Mane Manege Police (door-to-door police service) initiative in Rajaghatta. 'While people might not usually know how to report their findings or even about possible encroachment in some of these historic sites, we hope that this programme will bring them the confidence to tell us,' said Sadiq Pasha, police inspector, Doddaballapur Rural Police Station.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Time of India
Doctoral candidate at UoM pioneers research on repatriation of tribal heritage
Mysuru: A doctoral candidate at the department of Studies in Anthropology at the University of Mysore (UoM) is currently working on her PhD thesis on repatriation of tribal heritage — the first such doctoral research topic in India. The research, conducted by Banita Behera, an officer of the Anthropological Survey of India (ASI), under the mentorship of M R Gangadhar, professor and the current vice-chancellor of Chamarajanagar University, delves into the complex issue of repatriation of tribal cultural artefacts from museums back to their source communities – a hitherto underexplored area in Indian academic context. Titled 'Repatriation of Tribal Heritage: A Threat to Anthropological Collections: A Future Solution to the Cultural Policies', the thesis examines the cultural, legal, ethical, and policy dimensions of returning tribal artefacts to indigenous communities. It provides a roadmap for how India can balance heritage protection with cultural justice towards its tribal populations. Behera's research advocates revising India's antiquity laws, urging museums to serve as both guardians and partners in cultural preservation. Despite the global prominence of the repatriation debate, it has received little attention in India, given the country's rich tribal heritage and vast museum collections. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo Behera's study critiques the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, for its failure to address tribal rights and community ownership of anthropological collections in museums. It proposes inclusive cultural policies, strengthened museum-community collaborations, and legal frameworks to support respectful repatriation. By offering sustainable and equitable repatriation models, the research paves the way for cultural reconciliation, ensuring tribal heritage is not only exhibited but honoured, revitalised, and returned to where it rightfully belongs. This study is the first in India to comprehensively tackle the critical global issue of tribal artefact repatriation at the doctoral level, positioning the University of Mysore as a leader in heritage policy and anthropological research in South Asia, according to professor Gangadhar. "This thesis is a cultural blueprint for the future," he said, adding: "It underscores the need for policy formation for anthropological museums to redefine them as active collaborators in preserving culture." He further said museum anthropology is largely unexplored in India, making this research truly distinctive. Behera, originally from Odisha, began her PhD in 2020. With 15 years of experience as a museum anthropologist, she currently leads the Southern Zonal Anthropological Museum, Anthropological Survey of India, in Mysuru. Behera plans to submit a proposal based on her research to the Ministry of Culture, which has expressed interest in it.
The Hindu
25-06-2025
- The Hindu
Ashada Shukravara: Environmental groups to be deployed to monitor devotees carrying single-use plastic atop Chamundi Hills
Volunteers from environmental groups would be deployed at the foot of Chamundi Hills on Friday during the Ashada Shukravara to dissuade devotees from carrying single-use plastic atop the hills. Representatives from Parisara Ulivigati Kriya Samithi, or Environment Protection Action, convened a press conference in Mysuru on Wednesday and said about 150 volunteers will be present at the foothills on Friday to monitor, prevent and assist the devotees so that single-use plastics are not taken uphill. The environmentalists, who appealed to the devotees to use only organic pooja material, also urged the Chamundeshwari Temple Area Development Authority to ensure that offerings such as baagina, badami milk and dry fruits are distributed without using the single-use plastic. 'We request the concerned departments to take strict measures to ensure that no vendors in Chamundi Hills, from the foothills to the hilltop, use any single-use plastic,' said Mr. Parashurame Gowda, a member of the Samithi. The Samithi has also appealed to the devotees visiting Chamundi Hills to avoid carrying pooja items, sweets, and snacks in single-use plastic containers. 'We request the devotees to bring natural turmeric and vermilion (kumkum) instead of those containing chemicals,' said the Samithi, in its statement. Meanwhile, president of PUCL, Mysuru, Kamal Gopinath, who is also a member of the Samithi, said the single-use plastics and other consumer wastes threatened the pristine Chamundi Hills and the authorities should strictly enforce the ban on single use plastic bags, water bottles and other such items used by tourists and devotees all around the year through sustained programmes instead of some 'peripheral and shallow' measures only during Ashada Fridays and festivals when there is a surge of devotees. He urged the authorities to make environmentally proactive norms a part of the tender process. Mr, Parashurame Gowda regretted that the declaration of Chamundi Hills as a plastic-free zone by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has remained largely on paper. Tourist Bungalow Mr. Kamal Gopinath has urged the State government to shelve its plans to construct a Tourist Bungalow atop Chamundi Hills and instead focus on the Department's core function of conservation and maintenance of the environment in this ecologically sensitive region. All the nine organisations that are part of the Samithi were unanimous in their opposition and condemnation of the proposed bungalow, he said. 'Chamundi Hills is ecologically sensitive, and no fresh constructions in any form or shape should be allowed atop the hills, which have recently recorded boulders rolling off the same and are also under constant threat owing to sustained erosion of the green belt around it', he said. Ms. Leela Shivakumar, Ms. Leela Venkatesh, Mr. Gokul of Clean Mysore Foundation, and Mr. Gantaiah of Parisara Balaga were also present.
