In a troubling incident that has sparked controversy, a respected social worker from Mangaluru, Babu Pilar, was invited to Bengaluru to receive the prestigious Suvarna Mahotsava award, only to find himself denied the honour at the last minute due to a clerical error. This unfortunate mix-up by the Kannada and Culture Department has led to accusations of disrespect and mismanagement, raising questions about the award distribution process.
On the day of the award ceremony, which took place yesterday, officials from the Kannada and Culture Department contacted Babu Pilar, assuring him that he would be recognised for his contributions at the Rajyotsava Suvarna Mahotsava event. He was provided accommodation at the Kumarakrupa Guest House, which added to his anticipation. However, when he arrived at the ceremony, officials abruptly informed him that there was no award for him. They explained that his name had been included by mistake and offered their apologies, but the sudden change left him feeling humiliated and disheartened.
The situation unfolded as it became clear that the award was actually intended for another individual named Babu Kilar. The department official responsible for inviting Pilar acknowledged the mix-up and attributed it to a clerical error. This miscommunication not only dashed Babu Pilar’s hopes of receiving the prestigious award but also resulted in him being overlooked for the Dakshina Kannada district Rajyotsava award, for which he had also been considered.
Babu Pilar is a well-known social worker from Ullal, widely respected for his dedication to humanitarian causes, particularly for performing last rites for unclaimed bodies. His selfless service has earned him admiration in his community, and he was seen as a deserving candidate for the award. The mix-up has left him not only disappointed but also questioning the efficiency of the system that is meant to honour contributions to society.
Despite the officials’ apologies, the incident has raised significant concerns about how such errors can occur in the selection process for awards meant to recognise outstanding contributions. Many in the community are voicing their support for Babu Pilar, urging the department to rectify the oversight and acknowledge his work properly.
The handling of the situation has stirred discontent among residents and supporters of Babu Pilar, who view this incident as a disregard for the hard work and commitment shown by social workers in the region. As a constituency of Speaker U.T. Khader, Babu Pilar has received backing from local leaders and citizens, who are calling for accountability within the Kannada and Culture Department to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In summary, what should have been a moment of pride and recognition for Babu Pilar turned into a disappointing experience. The incident highlights the importance of careful management and communication in award processes, especially for those who have devoted their lives to serving the community.