Karnataka Govt faces criticism over removal of Udupi doctor's name from Rajyotsava award list
Compulsory Rural Service
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government's decision to remove Dr G.S. Chandrashekar, founder of Udupi-based Adarsha Hospital, from the final list of State-level Rajyotsava award recipients has drawn widespread criticism from medical professionals and various organisations.
Highlighting the doctor's contributions, Karkala MLA V. Sunil Kumar said Dr Chandrashekar had served in the medical profession for several years and remained actively involved in numerous social initiatives. He described him as someone who had consistently raised public concerns and worked towards the welfare of society.
Expressing disappointment over the government's decision, the MLA accused it of disregarding the doctor's contributions and said removing his name from the list amounted to an insult to his service.
The MLA also criticised the Udupi district administration for failing to organise an appropriate celebration to mark Rajyotsava in the district on Sunday. Responding to questions from reporters in Udupi, District In-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad said he was unaware that Dr Chandrashekar's name had been removed. He added that two other individuals from Udupi district had received State-level Rajyotsava honours, reports The Hindu.
Mohan Gowda, spokesperson for Hindu Janajagruti Samiti Karnataka, also criticised the move, stating, “First announces Dr. G.S. Chandrashekar’s name for the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, celebrates his achievement, and then abruptly removes his name! Is this how the government respects selfless social service? If there were administrative errors, why should an innocent achiever be humiliated? Awards are meant to honour achievers, not insult them!” He demanded immediate restoration of Dr. Chandrashekar’s honour, a public apology from the government and accountability for those responsible.
The controversy reportedly followed discussions on social media questioning Dr Chandrashekar's selection under the Uttara Kannada district quota despite his professional base being in Udupi. The selection drew objections as no other personality from Uttara Kannada had initially been included in the list. Following Dr Chandrashekar's exclusion, the government announced journalist G.U. Bhat of Honnavara as the recipient under the Uttara Kannada quota.
Dr G.S. Chandrashekar is a senior cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon with over three decades of experience. He holds an MBBS from Karnatak Medical College, Hubli, an MS in General Surgery from Bellary, and an MCh from Mumbai, alongside international fellowships in Belgium and the UK. He previously served as the head of the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences in Bengaluru and practices as a visiting consultant.
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