Mangaluru: The newly constructed Souharda Circle (Harmony Circle) at Kuthar Junction was inaugurated by Health Minister U T Khader on Tuesday night, bringing an end to the controversy that had earlier erupted over the naming of the circle.
Circle controversy had sparked tension
The controversy began in May when a private university was constructing a circle at Kuthar Junction. Objections were raised against a proposal to name the circle after Koragajja, a revered local deity.
The issue later escalated when Junaid of Madani Nagar and 10 of his associates allegedly gheraoed then-local MLA and Assembly Speaker U T Khader and created a commotion.
The incident attracted widespread attention, following which Ullal police registered a case against the accused.
With the controversy continuing, the newly constructed circle has now been named Souharda Circle, signalling a message of harmony and communal brotherhood.
Koragajja symbols installed
A replica of Koragajja’s traditional muttale (headgear) and dante (staff) has been installed as the crown of the new circle.
The circle also features directional signboards pointing towards Koragajja’s Adikshetra, Ranipura Church and Kundur Juma Masjid.
The inclusion of these landmarks is intended to reflect the religious and cultural diversity of the area and reinforce the message of coexistence.
Khader calls for harmony
Speaking after inaugurating the circle, Minister U T Khader said religious faith should not be viewed as a weakness but as a source of strength for society.
He said the teachings of different religions provide a message of compassion and healing.
Khader expressed hope that a message of harmony would reach the entire country from Kuthar through the unveiling of Souharda Circle.
He also said the development of the area would continue beyond the construction of the circle.
Kuthar-Ambla Mogaru road widening planned
Khader announced that work on widening the Kuthar-Ambla Mogaru road would be launched shortly.
He said the Public Works Department has allocated Rs 3 crore for the project.
“The development journey will not stop here,” Khader said, adding that the road widening would further contribute to the development of the region.
He said Kuthar would be developed in the future as a centre of harmony and brotherhood.
Tourism potential highlighted
Khader also highlighted the growing tourism significance of the Kuthar area.
He said the Koragajja shrine was among the factors contributing to the increase in the number of tourists visiting Ullal, which he said had risen by 20%.
The minister said the area could further benefit from its religious and cultural attractions while maintaining its identity as a place associated with harmony and communal coexistence.
Religious and community leaders attend
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several religious, community and institutional representatives.
Among those present were B Sridhar Shetty Maganathadi, hereditary managing trustee of the Kuthar Panjandaya, Bant, Vaidyanatha and Adi Koragathaniya Kshetra; M Mahabala Hegde Debbeli, vice-president of the Panjandaya Bant Vaidyanatha Adi Koragathaniya Seva Trust; and prominent members Ratnakara Kava Kuthar Guttu, Rajanna Bolyaguttu and Padmanabha Shetty Genimane.
Nitte Deemed-to-be University Chancellor Vishal Hegde, public relations officer Hemanth Shetty, Kanachur Group of Institutions chairman Kanachur Monu and Madani Nagar Juma Masjid president Aziz were also present.
Ranipura Church priest Fr Eric Crasta and Kuthar Sri Rajarajeshwari Kshetra president Pavithragatti also attended the programme, along with other dignitaries and local representatives.
The inauguration of Souharda Circle is expected to mark a fresh chapter for Kuthar Junction, with the authorities seeking to move beyond the earlier dispute and project the area as a symbol of harmony, development and brotherhood.