Mysuru: BJP SC Morcha State secretary M S Paramananda has urged the Karnataka government to consider having a pourakarmika (civic worker) inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festival next year or in the near future.
Welcoming this year’s inauguration by Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swami of Koppal’s Gavimath, Paramananda said Dasara could also serve as a platform to highlight social harmony, equality and coexistence. His suggestion was reported on October 1.
Calls for recognition of civic workers
Paramananda referred to the work of pourakarmikas, who are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in cities, towns and villages. He argued that recognising a civic worker at the inauguration of the state’s prominent cultural festival would draw attention to their contribution.
He also referred to a recent incident involving Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, in which the Chief Minister met a pourakarmika and responded to concerns raised about discrimination faced by her daughter. Paramananda said such gestures could be complemented by symbolic decisions that give civic workers greater recognition in public and cultural spaces.
“Honoring them on the highest cultural stage would serve as a fitting reply to such social prejudices,” Paramananda said.
He added that social equality should be reflected not only in speeches but also through participation and representation at major public events.
Dasara as a platform for social inclusion
According to Paramananda, having a pourakarmika inaugurate Dasara would recognise the contribution of sanitation workers and highlight the dignity of labour.
“Dasara belongs to everyone, and its honors do so too. Social equality should not just be spoken of on stages; it should be practiced on them,” he said.
The proposal comes amid continuing recognition of pourakarmikas’ role in maintaining Mysuru’s cleanliness, particularly during the Dasara festivities, when the city receives large numbers of visitors. Mysuru officials have also highlighted the role of civic workers in maintaining cleanliness during the festival.
Precedent of recognising civic workers
Pourakarmikas have previously been included among those honoured during Mysuru Dasara. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, pourakarmika Maragamma was among frontline workers felicitated during the Dasara inauguration.
Paramananda has now proposed taking such recognition further by giving a civic worker the responsibility of inaugurating the festival itself.
He urged Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to consider the proposal for a future Dasara celebration, saying such a step could highlight the contribution of sanitation workers and convey a message about social equality.