Mysuru: – Even as the monumental neglect of the crumbling Lansdowne building in the heart of the city continues, the Tataiah Park right opposite, named after one of the most revered figures in the city, continues to lie in a state of neglect. The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) as well as those who strive to keep the city clean must be squarely blamed for this state of affairs.

M. Venkatakrishnaiah, popularly and affectionately called Tataiah, the grand-old-man of Mysuru, was a freedom fighter, social reformer, educator, journalist, political activist, litterateur and philanthropist, all rolled into one. However, the Park established in his name very close to K.R. Circle, is in such a bad shape that whoever sees it should bow their head in shame as the park built in his memory lies in a shambles.

It is filled with empty liquor bottles and packets, cigarette stubs, plastic tea cups and covers and mountain of waste. As the park is now covered by the shops set up opposite the Lansdowne building, it has become a haven for all kinds of illegal activities.

Tataiah, considered the Pitamaha of Mysuru Journalism (father of Mysuru Journalism) boldly faced many problems throughout his life and nothing is more disrespectful than the apathy shown to this legend.

To preserve his memory and to remember his contributions, 18 years ago when H.N. Srikantaiah was the Mayor, the Tataiah Park was established. The then Education Minister H. Vishwanath had inaugurated the park. It is not even two decades yet, but the statue of Tataiah in the park is now a fading memory of the great revolutionary.

The louts and anti-social elements sit on the granite slabs laid around the statue and it looks like Tataiah is standing orphaned, swallowing the humiliation heaped on him.

Venkatakrishnaiah was born in Magge village in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru District in 1844. He lost his father Subbaiah when he was just 11-years-old. He came to Mysuru along with his mother Bhagirathamma and three sisters and completed his matriculation under very difficult circumstances. He maintained his family by offering home tuitions. Later, he opened many schools and started many newspapers and was called the Pitamaha of Journalism. At a time when educating girl children were considered a crime, he opened separate schools for girls. He also started schools for special and physically challenged children.

Tataiah started Anathalaya for children from poverty-stricken families and orphans. He was also successful in putting pressure on the then government to start the Medical College. He had also given an endowment fund of Rs.2,000 to start Journalism Department in the University of Mysore.

When Mahatma Gandhi came to Mysuru and visited Anathalaya he had proudly called Tataiah “Mysore Bishmapitamaha.” What is it that we are giving in return to a man who donated all of his earnings to the society? We are not even able to keep a small park in his name clean.

How is it that when all of us feel so proud of Mysuru’s cleanest city tag, continue to neglect and ignore Tataiah Park? At least now, let the MCC and the voluntary organisations turn their attention on the park named in the memory of a person who dedicated his life to many causes.

Go and visit the park once and you will definitely feel ashamed.