Deccan Herald
Mangalore, Jun 7: Unmindful of scorching sun, darkness of the night and rough sea, a group of people in Ullal have saved the lives by risking their own life without any life saving equipments in the middle of the sea.
Shivaji Eejugarara Sangha and Jeevarakshaka Eejugarara Sangha in Ullal are always ready to save the lives of those who accidentally get drowned in the sea or being washed away in river or pond or in a well. Both the Associations have saved the lives of more than 250 tourists who had come from different destination to enjoy the beauty of the beach, but unfortunately got washed away by the strong currents in the region.
Members of Jeevarakshaka Eejugarara Sangha all set to save another life in Ullal
Shivaji Eejugarara Sangha has more than 60 members between the age group of 20 to 50 who are always ready to save the lives of the people. Association President Rohidas Bangera, who nostalgically traces the path of the registered trust, says: “I saw a woman screaming for help in the mid of the sea while returning from fishing in Kotepura 15 years ago. I saved her life and continued it as a hobby. Later thought of forming an association to dedicate our service to the society.”
So far the Association has saved nearly 100 lives since its inception.
Bangera has the credit of saving more than 35 people, when the sea was rough and nobody dared to venture into the sea.
“Our association does not have a building of our own. We don’t have life jackets to save our life while saving others. Neither the Government nor any organisations have come forward to help us in providing atleast life jackets and other life saving equipments. But we have a sense of satisfaction that we have saved someone’s life,” he says.
Jeevarakshaka Eejugarara Sangha was registered in the year 1987. The association has saved more than 200 lives.
“The Association President Praveen Kotian saw a child drowning while returning from fishing, immediately he jumped into the sea to save the child. Later, he realized the need for forming an association to keep a watch on the visitors who visit the beach,” Association vice-president Mohan said recalling the early days. Gradually the Association was formed and now the Association has got its own building.
“We too did not have any life jackets till recently to save our lives. However, Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi has donated 10 life jackets recently,” he said.
Citing an example about how the members strove hard to save the lives of nine tourists from Bangalore who were washed away in the sea, Mohan said: “We could save only five out of nine. Nobody was ready to venture into the sea as the sea was very rough.”
“We provide first aid treatment to the victims and if needed take them to the hospital. Sometimes, we even end up paying their bills in the hospital,” he said.
Under MP Fund, Union Minister Oscar Fernandes has released Rs 25,000 for the Association. “But we have not yet received the amount. The officials concerned claim that the land in which the association building is constructed, is not in their name and comes under CRZ.”
Though CRZ officials and Assistant Commissioner have written a report stating that the land should be registered under their name considering their work, money has not yet reached their hands.
Both the Associations keep a close watch on the beach visitors especially during “Theerthamavase,” “Uroos” and sea erosion, so that no untoward incidents take place in the region.
They have become a ray of hope for the tourists who visit the region.