2. Bangaluru - a Boom city that went Bust (Part 2 of 7)

A Boom City

Bangalore, in many ways, is unlike the other great cities of India. Most of

the other cities in India remind one certainly of the present, certainly of the

future but essentially of the past. But Bangalore, as I said, more than any

other great city of India is a picture of the future....

Jawaharlal Nehru, July 17, 1962

Nehru’s appreciation was justified, Bangalore of pre-ninety eighties was indeed “in many was, ..unlike other great cities of India. However, as explained earlier things were fast changing, and changing beyond Nehru’s prediction! India Today 15 th April 1983 issue focused on Bangalore as The Boom City of the country. However, the two consecutive decades - 1990s and 2000 - changed the entire edifice of Bangaluru. Economic Policy of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization [LPG], during 1990s stimulated the growth of large private sector units, and thousands of ancillary and small units supporting them, in and around Bangaluru. The city was stormed by an influx of economic activities. As if that was not enough, the global fear of Y2K became a stimulant in the growth of Information Technology [IT] units in Bangaluru. Quick solution from Bangaluru to the Y2K fear not only prevented the IT crisis all over the world, but it also created a second Silicon Valley of the world in Bangaluru.

With a fantastic growth rate of 76 per cent in the last decade, Bangalore has outstripped the 12 other cities in the country which have a population of more than 10 lakhs. Only Jaipur with 57 per cent and Delhi with 56 per cent come anywhere close to matching Bangalore's phenomenal growth rate. The percentage growth for the other nine cities in the last decade was - Pune: 48, Ahmedabad: 43, Hyderabad: 40, Nagpur: 39, Bombay: 37, Madras: 34, Kanpur: 32, Calcutta: 30, and Lucknow: 23. The all-India average for cities was 46 per cent. Bangalore is now estimated to be among the first 10 fastest growing cities in the world. 

The demand for housing was so rapid and high that the existing residential layouts were overrun.

People started to let their spare accommodations for making money. Factories and Offices also

demanded greater land spaces. The demand for land outpaced the availability within the planned

residential, commercial and industrial areas. Consequently the villages adjoining the city

automatically became the extended part of the city without even waiting for formal inclusion

within the city planning area.

The Kiss of Death

The negative impacts on the garden city were very severe. City planning gave way to post-facto

absorption of chaotically grown adjoining villages into the city folds. City planning became a

misnomer. Density of population graph had hit the north pole! Once the compromise on

planning was forced, it laid the foundation for corruption and huge unplanned growth of

buildings of all kinds. Land mafias made their diabolic presence. Residential zones got merged

with the commercial and industrial complexes. Open spaces and gardens started to vanish.

Sanitation and hygiene were out of gear. The presence of State Government in this capital city,

instead of becoming a controlling point, seemed to have become an accomplice in the fast

deteriorating conditions. A Garden City systematically got converted into a Garbage city !

The consequences of such unprecedented growth of Bangalore was not unknown to the

authorities. As apprehended by Ramakrishna Hegde, the then Chief Minister of the state,

Bangalore did continue to explode haphazardly and the boom did bring it such a prosperity

which did become its Kiss of Death!

If immediate action is taken to control the crazy, unplanned

growth of the city it would be possible to make this city liveable.

Otherwise it may go the way of other big cities. We must

regulate Bangalore's growth." Or else if Bangalore continues to

explode haphazardly the boom that brought it so much

prosperity may easily be the kiss of death. -- the then Chief

Minister R.K.Hegde

Hosur’s Growth – Its Impact on Bangaluru

Tamil Nadu government had correctly assessed the crucial location and growth prospects of

Bangalore quite early, as early as in 1970s. It put up Industrial Estate at Hosur, located at the

periphery of Bangalore, and its borders with Karnataka state. Making use of the financial and

infrastructural incentives available in this Industrial Estate and also because the advantages of

the airport facility and residential facilities in neighboring Bangalore a large number of

industries started to locate themselves in Hosur . Over a period Hosur went on to develop in to a

very large industrial complex. Its growth heavily taxed the infrastructural facilities available in

the city of Bangalore.

Government of Karnataka was lethargic in countering the attractions provided by the Tamil

Nadu state in Hosur Industrial complex. Consequently, Hosur and Tamil Nadu bolted with a very

fast economic growth in the area. Whereas, Bangalore was burdened by the influx of population

and traffic without much revenues either to the city’s municipal administration or to the state

exchequer. Tamil Nadu gained at the cost of Karnataka! Tamil Nadu’s gain was Karnataka’s

huge loss.

Twin Blunders that undermined Bangaluru

There are multiple factors which have resulted in the downfall of Bangaluru during the past 25

years. But here we will analyze two main factors only. These are the factors which would have

prevented Bangaluru from becoming highly congested and losing its grandeur of the past.

First, the Dropping of Bangalore-Mysore NICE Corridor Project. During the later part of

1990s Karnataka Government entered into an agreement with the Nandi Infra-structure Company

to build under PPP model a new road linking Bangalore with Mysore to relieve the traffic

congestion on the existing state highway between the two important cities of the state. This new

road was to by-pass Kanakapura, Malavalli and reach Mysore via Bannur. It was a grand plan

which would have benefited both Bangalore and Mysuru. Idea was to develop these two cities as

twin cities like Mumbai and Pune had become due to a new Express High Way link.

A lot of enthusiasm was generated by this project. The land acquisition rights were also granted

to the company and the company started to acquire the land. Suddenly the project got stalled due

to the disputes regarding the road alignment at several places. Government and the Company got

into legal tangle. And the PPP gradually got into cold storage. There were a lot of stories floating

thereafter. Some alleged that some lands belonging to a big political family caused it, some

stated that the percentage of commission to be given to the decision facilitators was the cause,

some said that the competing enterprises sabotaged the entire project by planting discord

between the politicians and the PPP developers and so on. Consequence was legal battles and

total end of this very ambitious project that could have saved Bangalore from its present

situation.

Just imagine for a moment, had this project got through as scheduled, Mysore would have

grown into another industrially well developed city of the state and the country. Lack of political

sagacity and corruption at the top level killed this project as also the prospects of smooth growth

of two important cities! And the central government need not have spent rupees nine thousand

crores on expansion of Mysore – Highway which it is doing now, and the two cities would have

had the advantage of two highways servicing them, instead of only one! The opportunity cost of

such irrational decision to drop the NICE Economic Corridor project have been tremendous,

both in financial terms and in term of economic development.

Has Mysuru Gone Bengaluru Way..? (Part 1 of 7)

 

1. Bangalore’s Glorious Days

During our several meetings with MUDA in connection with Draft of Mysore-Nanjangud Master Plan- 2031 time and again we were assured, both by the Master Plan  consultants and the MUDA top officials, that their main objective was not to allow Mysuru go the Banagaluru-Way. That was between 2013-14. Now  the approved Master Plan is under implementation for nearly past 5 years. The conditions in and around Mysuru, as they stand today, do not seem to support the assurances made by the concerned authorities back then. It looks as though Mysuru has already gone Bangaluru-Way! To understand this stark reality one has to first understand what is meant by Bangaluru-Way? Briefly, the Bangaluru-Way means a ‘failed city.’

Bangaluru- A “Failed City”

In a very recent Editorial a leading newspaper of the state has this to say about our Capital city – “For about a quarter of a century now, one Karnataka Chief Minister after another has been promising Bengaloreans the moon – or rather promising to turn it into a Singapore, a Dubai, a ‘Smart City’, or other dreamscapes. In reality, though, Bengaluru has remained closer to a cratered moon and every aspect of the city and life in it has deteriorated over the years. We are rapidly hurtling towards a point of no return....

...Bengaluru is a failed city in nearly every sense of the term. Not even a single stretch of road is free of potholes, walkable footpaths are non-existent in most areas, building violations and illegal constructions are the order of the day, waste management is a disaster, lakes are fast disappearing or are utterly polluted, the stormwater drain system has been destroyed by the builder-official nexus and the city gets flooded with every downpour, and potable water is still a pipe-dream for many. Even Namma Metro continues to  progress at a snail’s pace and will not have the extensive presence it must have to relieve the city of its traffic mess until well after 2030. Civic bodies and utility agencies remain rampantly corrupt and inefficient and promises to reform them remain unfulfilled.”

Above quote substantially establishes the pathetic conditions prevailing at  present in Bengaluru. But why are we moaning this condition of Bengaluru when most of our major urban centers, not excluding the national capital, are in similar condition? To understand this we will have to very briefly visit the unique place of Benglauru in our state’s and national history.

 

Bangalore – A City with a Touch of Europe!

Magadi Kempegowda is credited with laying the foundations for this city in 1537 with a mud fort. His vision for the city’s expansion could be seen in the boundary pillars he had erected nearly 500 years ago! If Hyder Ali waged a war to claim the control of Bengaluru, his son Tipu Sultan, born in Devanahally,  had left his palace as a memory of his relationship with this city. The British found out that Bangalore (the earlier format of the name) with its higher altitude and thousands of lakes around had a  salubrious weather all round the year. Hence, they established in Bangalore a very important Cantonment. A large number of British citizens, including Winston Churchill, lived here. Europeans and Anglo-Indians who worked and lived in the neighboring Kolar Gold Field gold mines [KGF] patronized Bangalore for their social and commercial requirements. Thus, this city  became an active centre for the Europeans and the Anglo-Indian population. Consequently, Bangalore acquired a shade of an European town!  The Parade Ground and the surrounding complexes of Cinema Houses, the Brigade Road, the Commercial Street and the Mahatma Gandhi Road were full of European touch.

The contributions of the Wadeyars was also substantial in making Bangalore what it was. Even when Mysore City was the Capital of erstwhile  Mysore State Wadeyars had  developed Bangalore with special interests. Town Planning was the fulcrum around which this city grew.  They planned the residential layouts with parks, well laid out roads, road side trees, conservancy lanes,  underground drainage, and the electricity. They also built the palace, buildings with gothic archtieture and  huge gardens. Lalbagh Botanical Garden [Lalbagh], is an old botanical garden in Bengaluru. Said to be first planned and laid out during the dalavoyship of Hyder Ali and later managed under numerous British Superintendents, its Glass House is a model for other gardens.  Huge Cubban Park is another land marks of this city. No surprise that  over a  period  this city came to be known as a Garden City.

As a part of their progressive administrative policies for the State Wadeyars had implemented Regionally Balanced Socio-Economic Policies. As per this suitable industrial units were located in different parts of the state. Bangaluru had got its own share in the form of  Government Soap factory,  Government Electric Factory and many others. However, industrial development being part of planned city development never caused adverse effects on the urban life. Rather it contributed to its socio-economic dynamics.

Post Independence - Dynamic Political Leadership

During the first two decades after independence the state had the good fortune of a very dynamic political leadership. They were men of eminence and integrity coupled with high degree of local concerns. Politicians such as Kadidal Manjappa, K.Hanumanthaiah, and Nijalingappa had national prominence both in the government and the Indian Congress Party.  They gave importance to the socio-economic development of the state in general and the Bangalore city in particular by choosing it as the state capital under great odds. Maintenance of the Heritage of the city was given its due prominence. Location and the architect of Vidhana Soudha stand testimony to the political culture of the time.

A National Industrial Hub

Because of very conducive socio-economic-political environment Bangaluru attracted a series of Public Sector enterprises (many connected with the defense), like HAL, HMT, ITI, BEL, BHEL, Railway Wheels Factory, DRDO, ISRO and many others, which had huge campuses of their own. Even Private Sector, like Kislokar, MICO and  Kisan,  had put up a few important units in and around this city. Foreign collaborations in some of these industries gave Bangalore an international image.  Over a time the city acquired the honor of having Asia’s largest Industrial Estate of ancillary and small units in Peenya. However, industrialization of Bengaluru did not damage the landscape of the city as either they were non-polluting in nature or they were located away from the residential layouts.

Industrialization  enhanced the employment prospects of the citizens. As other major cities of the country had become highly congested and polluted, Bangalore glittered for its elegance, gardens and laid back large city. All over the country Bangalore acquired prominence as a well planned and clean city and a sophisticated large  urban center of the country. So much so, during 1980s when well established businesses houses and industrial units found the Communist rule in Calcutta oppressive,  many of them shifted to Bangaluru. Businessmen and Business Houses from Bombay and Delhi found Bangalore an attractive investment destination as also a very tantalizing living place. By the eighties Bangalore was turning into a large industrial, commercial and a residential city of the country. 

Mysuru Property Owners – A Harassed Lot

Recent notification by the Mysore City Corporation [MCC] asking the property  owners of Mysore City to provide certain ownership documents to enable it to digitize ownership records raises certain fundamental questions with regards to its necessity and  the functioning of the MCC. Further it also unnecessarily exposes the property owners to certain risks. Following facts will confirm the fears of the property owners.

1.     Every Property Owner would have got a construction plan “approved” by the MCC, and only then  carried out the construction of the property in question.

 

2.     At the time of seeking such construction plan for approval, the owner has to  compulsorily provide the ownership document/s along with the Proposed Construction Plan.

 

3.     Before occupying the  constructed property, the Owner has to seek an  “Occupancy Certificate” [OC/NOC] from the  MCC to ensure that the building is as per the approved plan and that there is no variation.  Necessary documents have to be provided at that time also to the MCC.

 

4.     A OC or NOC is given for Occupancy only after an  inspection by the concerned MCC authority who ‘ensures the adherence’ to the approved plan.

 

5.     After OC, it is the MCC which is the authority to issue a Khatha certificate to the building owner after providing necessary documents.

 

6.     It is the MCC which approves the Property Tax based on the measurements of the area of the land and the area of the constructed area where the necessary records and inspection by the MCC authority is involved.

 

7.     Property Tax is modified by the MCC based on the random inspection and verifications by its authority.

 

8.     Such Property Tax establishes the ownership and property details by the MCC.

 

9.     UPOR Certification: Apart from the MCC, in the recent past a government established authority has  scientifically measured and established the ownership of the property in the Mysore City after getting necessary legal documents from its owner and has issued Urban Property Ownership Record [UPOR] for which the owners were made to pay certain fees.

 

That being the case, what is the logic in seeking afresh hard copies of ownership documents, property and its owner’s photos?  Such illogical notification raises following further questions:

1.     Every Property Owner in Mysore is aware of the fact that the MCC is under-staffed and is working with temporary staff. And even a simple annual Property Tax collection is done in a very haphazard manner causing a lot of harassment to the property owners.

 

2.     For reason not publicly known MCC is unable to clear applications for issuing OC/NOC for new property, and  there is a lot of suspicion of corruption in this matter.

 

3.     Recently certain MUDA officials were suspected to have issued fake documents which exposed the lack of safety of ownership records at the hands of the concerned authority.

 

4.     Therefore, with such a large number of temporary employees of the MCC and inefficiency aplenty, how safe will be the copies of original ownership records?

 

5.     Above all, when all necessary  ownership records are / ought to be with the MCC, when the MCC is the issuing authority of KHATHA, where is the need for the owners to once again provide certain legal documents?

 

6.     Most of all, why is it that the UPOR records are NOT accepted by the MCC? And unnecessarily repeating the entire exercise, that too at the cost of the and risk of the owners?

The property owners, (honest ones, of course) in Mysore are a very harassed lot and unnecessarily exposed to risks of misuse of their ownership records. Therefore, it is time to pressurize the concerned government authorities and the MCC to drop this Togalakian step.

Mysuru Airport Expansion - New Impediments by R. Chandra Prakash

Mysuru Airport has been in the news for quite some time, but most of the time for only wrong reasons!  However, recently there was one piece of good news. Finally the state government has agreed to release funds for the acquisition of necessary additional land to facilitate runway expansion so that bigger planes can operate from Mysuru Airport. This would facilitate Mysuru getting  air connectivity to other important cities in the country. This would further accelerate the development of tourism and IT & BT industries around Mysuru.

However, at a time when Mysoreans were  looking forward to such a happy scenario, there  are new impediments which threaten the development of Mysuru Airport. It looks as if this project is jinxed!

An NOC from AAI

As per latest Notification issued by the  Airport Authority of India [AAI] all new high rises within 56km radius of Mysuru Airport must get a No Objection Certificate [NOC] from AAI. It has released a color-coded zoning map for Mysuru airport, categorizing areas into Green, Pink, Yellow and Red Zones. These zones specify height limits for structures and natural obstructions that could endanger aircraft operations.

The zoning map indicates clear guidelines for safe urban development around the airport. Red Zone indicating the most-restricted area near the runway, surrounded by Yellow, Pink and Green Zones extending outwards. The local authorities, such as Mysore City Corporation, Mysore Development Authority; Nanjangud Town, and parts of Chamarajnagar and Mandya Districts located within 56km radius, have been informed to approve construction plans within their respective areas, only after the applicants receive an NOC from AAI. Telecommunications towers, already located  and to be located in future within the said 56km radius areas also required to be governed by this NOC requirements.

Master Pan and the Implications of NOC

It is to be noted that the plans for expansion and development of Mysuru Airport have been in the public domain for more than two decades. During this very period Mysore-Nanjangud Master Plan-2031 had been in the public discussions, and was finally approved by the concerned authorities in 2014-15. As per this Master Plan the expanded  urbanization area was to include lands between erstwhile Mysuru city limits and Nanjangud town limits. The Mysuru Airport, interestingly, is located at Mandakalli village, which happens to be, more or less, at the epicenter of  this newly carved and expanded urbanized area!

Due to the overall effect of the Master Plan the private agricultural lands between these two areas have quickly converted into commercial and industrial plots. Even the KIADB has established several new industrial estates there. The land values have shot up geometrically. The urban area of Mysuru city has now gone beyond Mandakalli village and many residential layouts and buildings have sprung up here. Many such constructions are not very far away from the present airport boundary. Mysuru City Corporation has established one new Solid Waste Management unit on the land not very far away from the airport.

Mysuru is looking forward to all-round faster economic development, particularly after new Expressway between Mysuru and Bangalore which has reduced the distance between the two cities to just 90 minutes. This strong economic growth of Mysuru is also stimulated  by the increased traffic congestions and cost of living in Bangaluru.   

Will Devanahalli Movement Repeat?

Now it looks as if the  Notification for getting a NOC from AAI, particularly for the areas which could come under the Red Zone, might have come too late! What will happen to high-rises already existing in the Red Zone? What will be the effect on the high land values in these Zones, as the 56km radius area also  includes lands located in Chamarajanagar and Mandya districts? Since the NOC covers  vast areas it will certainly generate very strong opposition from the land owners, developers and other interested parties. It is strongly rumored that much of these lands are under the ownership and control of politicians. Therefore,  a land owners movement could be a very effective tool to corner the government to stall airport expansion projects.  

Just a couple of days ago the Chief Minister agreed to the agitating Devanahalli farmers’ demand and withdrew the proposal to acquire 4000 acres land for establishing an Aviation Museum. Therefore, we will have to keep our fingers crossed and wait.

But there is one more news which does not augur well for the development of Mysuru Airport!

Location of Second Bangalore Airport

The Kempegowda Internation Airport [KIA] at Devanahalli, Bangaluru is reaching its optimal capacity very soon. Therefore, a  second airport for Bangaluru has become necessary. MB Patil, Karnataka Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister, has proposed to the Airports Authority of India [AAI] three locations. Two sites are along Kanakapura Road- near Kaggalipura in Bangaluru Urban District and Harohalli in Bangaluru South [Ramanagara], and the third one is at Chikkasolur in Bangaluru Rural District along the Nelamangala-Kunigal road.

However, aviation expert Devesh Agarwal considers all the three sites not suitable. On the contrary, he has suggested that the new airport be located between Bangaluru and Mysuru. He has opined that “Besides serving several tier-2 cities in the south and southwest of Bangaluru, this new airport will also aid various industries in the region. The Bangaluru-Mysuru Expressway is an added advantage.”

It is noteworthy to recall my articles Demand for International Airport for Mysuru: Some Basic Issues. [Star of Mysore, 19th August 2020] and Has Mysuru Gone Bangaluru Way-3 –KIA Location: A Myopic Decision [Star of Mysore, 29th Dec, 2021] which had in detail elaborated on this issue and had pondered as to how instead of at Devanahalli, a location between Bangaluru and Mysuru would have been an ideal one.

Impact on Mysuru Airport Expansion

If the second airport were to be located between Bangaluru and Mysuru, then the expansion and development of Mysuru Airport will become redundant as second Bangaloru Airport, also an International Airport, will be only about 40-50 km away from Mysuru and because of the new Express Way it would be reachable within one hour.

Unfortunately, Mysuru’s airport seems to be cursed. However, being one of the oldest in the country, it may only remain as a heritage airport!

Trust-Deficit, Bane of Modern Medical System by R. Chandra Prakash

Dr. B. M. Hegde, former Vice Chancellor of Manipal University, had once said “Faith in a Doctor Cures the Patient Fast”. A lot of research is being carried out in fathoming the mysteries of Mind in determining the body responses in a given situation. Placebo treatment, treatment of so called psycho-somatic problems like hypochondria, and providing emotional support to the terminally sick are some of the examples.

But this ‘Faith in a Doctor’, which in other words the ‘Trust in the Doctor’ so central to medical care, is in deficit these days.

Commercialization of Health Care

Medical system in the developed countries have undergone fundamental transformations. Medical research has revolutionized each and every medical field. United States of America has been leading the world in medical research, be it drugs,  or technological support or even medical education.  United States  being a predominantly a private sector oriented economy, health care has remained in the private domain. It could also be the reason for great strides in every medical field. Situation is not much different in Canada and many European countries which are  moving away from the state sponsored health care system. Consequently, Medical Insurance plays critical role in the health care industry of these countries. Obviously, health care  is nowadays commercialized profession.

Under these circumstances how far medical practitioners are capable of fulfilling their Hippocratic Oath, [
A pledge to prescribe only beneficial treatments, according to his abilities and judgment; to refrain from causing harm or hurt; and to live an exemplary personal and professional life], is only a matter of conjecture.

Tip of the Ice-Berg

Getting vaccinated is a routine practice in most of the developed countries. People get routinely vaccinated as a preventive measure against several seasonal illnesses. Health care system world over carries out vaccination against life-crippling diseases like Polio, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, etc. But the cause for the  trucker’s devastating strike in Canada a couple of years ago, which  had led  to imposing of Emergency in the state of Ottawa, was Corona virus Vaccines. The truckers were asking two questions: 1: ‘How do we know Corona virus vaccines are safe?’ 2: Are there no other better treatments?’ Even in the United States of America citizens in millions had refused to get vaccinated, or even wear masks. There were similar protests even in few European countries.

Truckers’ revolt was only  a tip of a huge trust-deficit in the entire health care industry. And this trust-deficit is not confined to  corona virus vaccines alone, but is spread across the entire spectrum of western medical system. The situation is no  different in India.

Indian Scenario

India has been witness to a gradual dismantling of government’s  free health care  support to the citizens. This has lead to systematic increased privatization of medical services. Some of the government schemes like Ayushman Bharat Yojana, are  trying  to enable the poor and the lower middle class  to access the private medical care.

However, one cannot shy away from the fact that the government’s health care system is crumbling due to bureaucracy and all round deterioration of moral values. At the same time the commercial health care system is equally guilty of practicing ‘pure profit’ orientation over ‘service’. Therefore, the plight of the sick is proverbial ‘between the stools’.

Cost of  Medical Education

As per the Economic Survey 2019-20 there is a shortage of doctors in the country and the doctor-population ratio is 1:1456 against the WHO recommendation of 1:1000. No surprise that there is great demand for medical education. But due  to limited seats and very high cut off merit bench marks in government run institutions, and high costs of privately run medical educational institutions,  today more than 20,000 Indian students are found to be in war torn Ukraine pursuing medial education.

Now the doctors have to acquire higher degrees to become very minutely specialized. Consequently, there are multiple specialists for a single body part. There are Consultants, Interventionists and  a Surgeon specialized in individual body parts. Each one of them undergoes a long period of specialized education and training. The socio-economic costs of such long and specialized medical education and  training for a developing economy like India are very high. By default they inject unethical medical practices.

Practices being “Unethical”

Medical students are taught Generic names of medicines, however as doctors it is the brand names that are prescribed. Even when government supplies Janaushadhi generic medicines which it claims to be of equal quality standards and  cost as low as 10% to only 50% of the prices of their branded counterparts, (which are boons to patients with life-style diseases such as diabetes and hypertension), doctors prefer to prescribe branded medicines. How far this practice is within their Hippocratic Oath is anybody’s guess.

Very recently, Supreme Court ruled that “medical practitioners were forbidden from accepting “gifts” and  “freebies”. It was  disallowing  Rs.4.72 crore  of a  pharma company incurred towards gifting freebies such as hospitality, conference fees, gold coins, LCD TVs’, fridges, laptops etc to medical practitioners  “for creating awareness about the health supplement manufactured by it” claimed as an expenditure item in the business account while calculating the tax on profits. Public knowledge of such nefarious practices sabotage the trust of the patients in the entire medical profession.

Use of modern diagnostic tools and methods are common practices. But when such investigations become suspect due to underhand dealings between the practitioner and the diagnostic labs, the faith in the medical profession gets corroded. But it is common knowledge that some labs do give cut backs, and sometimes their results might even be tilted against the patients.

The Bench Marks on many diagnostic norms are themselves suspect these days. The ‘healthy levels’ of Blood Pleasure, Blood Sugar, or even Cholesterol are nowadays suspected to be manipulated to favor the pharma companies.  They do endanger the trust in the health care system.

Seeking “Second Opinion” has become a common practice among the patients and their caretakers. This is nothing but expression of lack of faith in the first diagnosis.

Expiry dates on the drugs is yet another area of suspicion. There is an awakening that drugs do not lose their potency, but shorter expiry dates help in keeping the manufacturing process, and consequently the  profits, rolling.

In nutshell, trust-deficit sabotages the delicate link between the patient and the medicine. When faith is lost, even the best medicine might not become effective. One cannot but fully agree with Dr.B.M Hedge that Mind is as important, if not more, as Medicine.

Though one should hasten to add that there are doctors who are wedded to their Hippocratic Oath and are rendering yeomen services to the society. I have  several decades long personal relationships with stalwarts in the medical profession, and I have no hesitation in stating that  Mysuru is  lucky in having a living  tradition of such illustrious medical practitioners who have been practicing their profession in a manner which enhances the Trust of patients.  

The Land of Hari and Har-2 – Devbhumi Dwaraka by R. Chandra Prakash

Dwarkadhish Temple 

Dwarkadish Temple is considered to be the main temple among the  sacred Char Dham temples. However, it is essential to know that  the present temple structure at Dwaraka is said to be dated to 16th century.  The original structure was said to have been destroyed by Mahmud Begada in 1473. However, the antiquity of this temple dates back to several millennia. The present temple is located at an elevation of 12.9 meters above mean sea-level and it faces west. The main shrine of five storied temple is supported by 72 pillars.

The temple is dedicated Lord Krishna, who is reckoned as the King of Dwarka. Hence it is called Dwarkadish Temple – Temple of King of Dwarka. This temple  is also called Jagat Temple- the Universal Temple, or the Temple of the World. It is believed to have been established by Lord Krishna’s grandson Vajranabh. 

According to a  legend  this temple was built on the very site of Krishna’s palace, which was reclaimed from the sea by his divine power. Temple is also known as Nija Mandir, or Original Temple. It is said to be the oldest structure in Dwarka. 

Marine Archeology’s Findings

Archeological findings suggest that the original temple was built, at the earliest, in 200 BCE. That the past five decades of underwater excavations in the Arabian sea adjoining the Gomti estuary have also disclosed submerged archeological monuments which give credence to such claims. 

Its Home Page on Dwaraka Explorations has this to state: 

“During 1983-1992 underwater archaeological explorations have been carried out almost every year in Dwarka waters. The successive underwater investigations off Dwarka in about 4 to 12 m water depth have revealed the presence of a number of submerged stone building blocks such as remains of wall, pillar and bastion and also stone anchors of various types like three-holed, prismatic and triangular were noteced in various places. SDDE and SCUBA systems were used for the underwater exploration along with ‘Aquazepp’ the underwater scooter. The survey boats were chartered and were equipped with underwater camera, underwater TV system and airlift equipments for exploration and excavation.”

About the antiquity of the Dwaraka the magazine states as follow:

“Dwarka on the west coast of India, is a well known ancient port, now believed to have been submerged. The excavations carried out during 1979 in the Dwarkadhish Temple Complex revealed three temple remains. In all, eight settlements can be distinguished at Dwarka. The first settlement made in the 15th century B.C. was submerged or washed away and so also the second one made in the 10th century B.C. After a long gap the third settlement was made in the 1st century B.C./A.D. as suggested by the Red Polished Ware and copper coins known as Karshapanas. It is during this phase that Temple I, was built. The lime-plastered surface of its stone masonry still retaining a few lines of red ochre painting suggests that the plinth was open to view above the then working level. After the first temple was destroyed the second temple came to be built on the ruins of the first. When the second temple was also destroyed, the third temple was built in the 9th century. It was perhaps in the 12th century a storm-wave blew away the roof leaving only the walls and plinth. The fourth temple came into existence soon after. The present temple of Dwarkadhish is the fifth in the series. Temples I to V represent respectively settlements III to VII and the modern town is the eighth settlement at Dwarka. It is this sequence finding of which led to present explorations at Dwarka.”

 

Religious Importance

Dwarkadhish Temple is 98th of the 108 Divya Desams, or holy abodes of Vishnu, which are glorified by Alwars, the 12th Century Tamil poet-saints. The  Divya Desam is praised by four Alwars: Nammalwar, Thirumangal Alwar, Thrumalisai Alwar and Periyalwar. This temple is also mentioned in the works of other Hindu saints and scholars, such as Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, Madhyacharya and Narsinh Mehta. There is a record stating that Adi Shankara had visited this temple in 8th Century.

The Deity

The Deity of Dwarakadish Temple is made of black stone and decorated in its typical golden costumes and head gear. One finds this in Braj Bhoomi as well. As per a legend ‘the main idol housed within the temple possesses a magnetic charge, drawing metal objects to it. This captivating phenomenon has captured both scientists and devotees, sparking intrigue and speculation’. But we could hardly enjoy any such experience due to our split-second darshan.

Meera Bai, a 16th century poet and devotee of Lord Krishna, is said to have merged with this idol at this temple. It is said that after this she was never seen again.  Meera Bai composed many songs and poems in praise of Lord Krishna.

Flag Hoisting

The temple has a beautifully crafted 43 meter high spire on which a 52 yards cloth flag remains always hoisted. Each day flag is changed six times in a very ritualistic ceremony. Due to its height high breeze hoisting flag is very risky and courageous act. This flag hoisting ceremony is much awaited by the pilgrims, who wait in hoards  for a long time for this to take place. People can  pay and get this flag hoisted as a reverence to the Lord.

 In Jagannath Puri, one more temple of Lord Krishna, similar daily flag hoisting ceremony takes place, with similar admirations from the pilgrims. 

Temple Entry

The temple is totally surrounded by private properties, excepting the steps and the parikrama. There is a separate queue for the pilgrims who are on their own, that is without the guidance of the Priests or  Pandas. There is a society formed by the Priests through which these Priests operate the visits. Our team went through one such Priest. We were taken through a side entrance, (but leading to the same steps which were being followed by queue of the independent pilgrims!). As our Priest seemed to have some influence in the Society, we were taken by-passing the prevalent queue. 

Entry into the main garbha-gruha was an exercise by itself due to the crowd at the narrow entry point. Finally when we reached the Lord’s Darshan we were pulled out by the policeman there from the front and pushed-out by the surging crown behind!! Not a very good experience, but since it is same experience at all the temples, we consoled ourselves that at least we have had a glimpse of the Lord!

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Next - The Land of Hari and Har-3  Bet Dwarka

The Land of Hari and Har - A visit to a corner of our sacred geography

Sanatana Dharma’s several thousand years history has metamorphosed  this land of Bharat into a Sacred Geography. The colonial onslaughts of 1500 plus years were unable to stop this metamorphic transformation. If anything, it only redoubled the Sanatani’s determination to protect and replicate his faith in his Gods in every nook and cranny of this beautiful land.

Hindus are bound by their faith in such intricate ways that southerners consider it their bounden duty to visit at least once Kashi located in the north-west of the country.  And the northerners are bound by their commitment to visit at least once in their life time Rameswaram, in the land’s southern tip.  Then, there are Char Dhams, Barah [twelve] Dhams spread over north, south, east and west. And there are localized deities attracting thousands of faithful all-round the year in some corner or the other. Regions don’t matter, it is the religious faith that  drives Hindus to traverse across this Sacred Land.

Between Hari and Har

It would not be wrong to say that  Hinduism is built around Hari (Lord Krishna) and Har (Lord Shiva). They are followed in their different forms and they are depicted in myriad manifestations in local lore. However, there are some specific areas of this Sacred Geography which have high pan-Indian significance. Two such prominent sacred lands, among others are: Dwaraka and Somanath. Interestingly, they are  located not far away from each other in the  Saurastra Region of Gujarat State.

Our long standing urge to visit Dwaraka and Somnath was fulfilled during our very recent nine day long visit.

Saurastra Region

Locally it is said that today’s “Sau Rastra” refers to a nomenclature in ancient times for  the existence of hundreds of small kingdoms in this region. This area is also known as Kathiawar [Kathiawad], which has its own distinct cuisine, fauna, flora and cultural moorings.

Devbhumi Dwaraka

Dwaraka city is located on the estuary of river Gomti on Arabian Sea coast, at the  tip of Gujarat’s Peninsula. In Sanskrit Dwaraka it means “gateway to Heaven”, where ‘Dwar’ means gate, and ‘ka’ refers to ‘Brahma’. The city also has been called ‘Mokshapuri’, ‘Dwaramati’ and ‘Dwarakavati’.

Dwaraka is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. Legend has it that Lord Krishna got this ‘golden city’ built by Vishwakarma, and settled here after he defeated and killed his uncle Kansa at Mathura. It is intriguing as to how several millennia ago the long geographical distances between Mathura and Dwaraka could be fathomed and that too in such a short period of about 125 years!!

In keeping with its religious importance of Dwaraka,  in the year 2013 the government of Gujarat carved out a new small district and named it as “Devbhumi Dwaraka”. It is consists of only four talukas, and is carved out of Jamnagar district.

There are four important places in Devbhumi Dwaraka directly related to Lord Krishna. First is the Dwaraka City itself. Second is the Bet Dwaraka or Shankhodhar. It is an inhabited island at the mouth of the Gulf of Kutch, situated 2 km off the coast of the town of Okha, and 25 km north of the city of Dwarka. Northeast to southwest, the island measures 8 km long and averaging 2 km wide.

Third is Rukmini Temple, two kilometer away from the Dwarka  which commemorates Lord Krishna’s beloved wife Rukmini. Lastly, Bhala Ka Theerth Temple, which commemorates the place where Lord Krishna’s soul is said to have departed from his body. It is located in Veraval, about 4 kilometer from Somanath Temple. Those who visit Dwaraka normally visit all these places of faith in Lord Krishna.

Lord Krishna – A Multidimensional God

Hinduism is replete with Gods and God men. And each one of them is represented to have distinctive powers and  personalities. However, among all Hindu Gods, Lord Krishna has a unique personae. He is one of the most widely  worshiped Hindu Gods. He is considered to be eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and worshiped as Supreme God on his  own right.

His extraordinary  wisdom has been narrated in the form of Srimad Bhagwat Gita [Geeta]. His overarching  super-human, Universal Power is demonstrated in his Virat-Roopa or also called Vishwa Roopa. Lord Krishna’s life-story is very proximate to humans. And interestingly, there is definite records of his birth, sojourn and  death, unlike stories of other Hindu Gods, which remain mostly mythical in their narratives.

Some Interesting Features

1. Lord Krishna has a total of 108 names. He is, Baanke Bihari, Gopala, Dwarkadish, Shyam, Makhan Chor and so on. He is also portrayed as a god-child, a prankster, a model lover, a divine hero.

2. The peacock feather worn by Lord Krishna on his head is the symbol of purity. It represents his pure love for Radha and the eternal bond of Radha Krishna

3. Krishna means black or dark. It also stands for ‘all attractive’. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Krishna is depicted in blue skin to represent the aura of calmness, purity, strength, immeasurable. It is also assumed that Lord Krishna’s skin turned blue when he was poisoned by a female demon through her breast milk when he was a baby.

4.  According to the Surya Siddhanta and other sources, Lord Krishna's birth and subsequent actions are believed to have taken place around 3228 BCE, with some suggesting a range from 3102 BCE to 3067 BCE. And he lived for 125 years.

5.  He was born in  present day Mathura  and this is the reason, the town grandly celebrates his birthday. Situated at the heart of Braj or Brij-bhoomi, Mathura is mostly called as Shri Krishna Janma-Bhoomi.

6. And of course, he has now acquired international acceptance and love through International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which was launched in 1966 from New York, U.S.A.