Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS/HB)
Udupi, Mar 29: Army recruitment rally has started from March 17 in the city. The selection process is going on since 10 days. Around 3,000 candidates were expected on the first day. However, much more than the expected number of candidates arrived in the city. Food and shelter could not be provided for them by the district administration. Young men from the districts from Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada had arrived on the first day.
On the first day, district administration and sports department provided food to the candidates with the help of donors. However, as there was no proper staying facility, the candidates had to sleep on footpath in the night. This enraged the public.
After the issue got flared up in the media, district administration swung into action and accommodation was arranged for 1,000 candidates at the Rajangana and parking lot of Sri Krishna Math, 300 were accommodated at Ambalpady temple, G Shankar college provided staying facility for 700 while Vivekananda school and Bannanje Mahalingeshwara temple accommodated 200 and 100 candidates respectively.
Some candidates had hired a vehicle in groups from their district. So even though some failed in the interview they had to wait for others to complete their tests. Providing food and accommodation for all was tough. District administration expected that more than 37,000 candidates will take part in the recruitment till March 27.
Like-minded people of the city, who observed all the difficulties, started providing tasty and hot food to the candidates everyday with the help of various organizations. Some days they provided rice and sambar and on other days veg palav and saw that every youth had stomach full and did not go to bed hungry. Like-minded people including Anwar Ahmed, activist of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike started this selfless service.
Around 2,000 candidates have their food. The food is provided near Ajjarakad grounds and war memorial.
Seeing the selfless service of like-minded Samaritans of the city, many people have contributed cash. Some other donors have provided one dish. Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Friends Brahmagiri, Rotary Club Brahmavar and many other organizations have cooperated with the volunteers. Public has lauded the effort of these Good Samaritans.