Karnataka - Mysore

Will stupa be inaugurated?

MYSORE: Will the Buddhist stupa, located near Ashoka Circle (Ballal Circle) in the city and so far neglected ever since its completion a few years ago, be officially inaugurated?

That is the question doing the rounds as the formal inauguration has been delayed for want of a statue of Buddha. Inspired by the stupas that are found in Sanchi and other places, it was constructed at a cost of Rs. 40 lakh. But what is surprising is that neither did the people know of this “quaint structure” nor was it properly maintained although it is the only one of its kind in the city.

While the authorities thought it fit to get a statue of the Buddha and have it installed at the entrance, it has not materialised so far. The stupa was meant to be a centre for meditation apart from being a centre for Buddhist studies, but neither has materialised.

A few leaders made the right noises when the structure was completed saying that it would be another tourist destination. But never mind the tourists, even the local people are oblivious of its presence.

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