Plan to install Ganesh idol at Indian Embassy in Kuwait triggers controversy

September 17, 2015

Kuwait City, Sep 17: A plan by the authorities at Indian Embassy in Kuwait to formally celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi by installing an idol of Ganesh in the embassy building has triggered a controversy.

Highly placed sources said that the diplomatic authorities had planned to formally install the Ganesh idol near the guest room of the Embassy on Thursday. When Coastaldigest.com tried to contact the embassy, the phones went unanswered.

However, after the information about the preparation for the ‘installation ceremony’ leaked through social media socio-cultural activists and Indian expatriate community in the oil-rich country expressed concern over a ‘possible conspiracy’.

It is learnt that the controversial Ganesha idol, said to be in possession of the authorities of the diplomatic mission of India in Kuwait, was in fact purchased by a Kuwaiti national out of curiosity during his visit to India. When he decided to desert the idol after sometime, the embassy officials reportedly approached him and took it into their possession.

Sources said that the embassy officials have also sent formal invitations to a few people for the planned Ganesh idol installation ceremony on Thursday as part of Ganesh Chaturthi. It is learnt that Indian Ambassador to Kuwait also has given green signal for the ceremony.

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

International Airport in Udupi, Metro to Mangaluru…: Pontiffs present comprehensive Udupi development plan to PM

News Network

November 30,2025

Udupi: The pontiffs of Sri Paryaya Puttige Mutt, the sacred seat of Jagadguru Shrimad Madhvacharya Moola Samsthanam, have submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister seeking comprehensive development for Udupi district.

Proposal for International Airport

A key request is the establishment of an international airport. Highlighting that around 1,000 acres of land are available and suitable, the pontiffs noted that the existing Mangalore Airport provides limited international connectivity. They suggested the airport be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or as a Greenfield Airport to boost trade, education, healthcare, and spiritual tourism.

Metro and Rapid Transit Connectivity

The proposal also calls for Metro Rail or Rapid Transit between Mangaluru and Udupi. The 55 km coastal stretch experiences heavy daily commuter traffic, causing congestion. The district administration is ready to prepare an initial project report for a Mass Rapid Transit corridor and requested inclusion under national urban mobility programmes to ensure safe, green, and time-efficient regional transport.

Port and Coastal Development

The pontiffs urged the development of an international-standard port with a cruise terminal along Udupi’s coast. They also requested fast-tracking of pending coastal tourism projects and revising Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to encourage sustainable infrastructure and hospitality investment.

IT, AI and Technological Infrastructure

Support was sought for an IT and AI Innovation Park with incubation facilities under Digital India and Startup India initiatives. The proposal also emphasized the need for strengthened data security and cloud computing infrastructure to boost India’s technological independence.

Sports and Education Initiatives

The pontiffs requested national sports status for Kambala, along with financial and infrastructure support. They also sought the establishment of an AIIMS in Udupi, a new IIT campus, and approval for an IIM to promote higher education in the district.

Representation to the Prime Minister

Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Pontiff and Sri Sushrendra Tirtha Swamiji represented the pontiffs in submitting the comprehensive development proposal to the Prime Minister during his recent visit.

Comments