A much-publicised event to inaugurate the city’s first pyramid meditation centre at Nrupatunga Betta here turned out to be an unpleasant affair for the public and the invitees as it was terminated in the eleventh hour here on Tuesday.
Minister for Urban Development Roshan Baig had to inaugurate it on Tuesday. All arrangements, including installation of the awnings, decoration of the stage, seating, refreshments and others, had been made. But the officials packed up at the last moment.
What was more irksome for the guests was that they came to know about the cancellation of the programme only after reaching the venue. Everyone, including Pralhad Joshi, MP, the cultural troupe, public and the press, were caught by surprise when they came to know that the programme stood cancelled.
While the public left the venue condemning the lethargic attitude of the authorities concerned, Mr. Joshi took the Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority (HDUDA) officials to task for playing spoil sport. He left the venue only after the HDUDA officials apologised.
HDUDA chairman Anwar Mudhol had a tough time in furnishing proper explanation when presspersons questioned him about the issue. He said that the programme was postponed as Minister in-charge of the district Vinay Kulkarni had to rush to Bengaluru due to some urgency. Mr. Modhol, who apologised for the inconvenience caused to the public, said that fresh dates will be announced shortly. The pyramid meditation centre is a much-talked about facility here. Built at a cost of ₹ 3.5 crore, the work started in 2012. The completion of work was delayed due to various issues involved. It is only one of its kind facility here accommodating 600 people at a time for meditation.
