Madikeri: Priest's children's religious conversion impedes disbursal of compensation


Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (SP)

Madikeri, Aug 26: The daughters of chief priest of Tala Kaveri temple, Narayan Achar, are finding it difficult to claim the compensation amount announced by the state government in respect of their parents who died after the landslide buried them alive, because of the fact that they had undergone religious conversion.

It is learnt that the disbursal of compensation amount has been withheld as they have been found to have deserted Hinduism and joined another religion.

Kodagu district in-charge minister V Somanna, had handed over a compensation amount of Rs 2.5 lac each to the two daughters of the deceased priest, Narayan Achar. Achar, along with wife Shantha Achar, brother Ananda Teertha Swamiji, and two assistant priests Ravi Kiran and Srinivas, went missing on August 5 when Gajagiri hill suffered a landslide and buried their house. The bodies of Shantha Achar and Srinivas have not been found so far.

Achar's daughters are settled in Australia and New Zealand. They came here after learning about the fact that their parents were buried alive. In their complaint filed in Bhagamandala police station about their missing parents, they had mentioned their names as Sharada Achar and Namitha Achar. Cheques had accordingly been issued in their names. But now they have requested Madikeri tahsildar P S Mahesh, to change the name of beneficiaries as Shannon Fernandes (Sharada Achar) and Namitha Nazareth (Namitha Achar). The officials have asked them to submit documents about the change of their names.

 

 

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • DP, Balmatta

    Thu, Aug 27 2020

    The passport should bear the present name , whether you live in Timbuktu or Kirem village.

    Also, if they changed the name after issue of a passport, then all they have is to give the Legal name change document issued if you live in Timbuktu or Kirem village.

    Nowhere does any passport ask you for your religion. Most of the western passports do not even mention the address!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Thu, Aug 27 2020

    supposedly dey have become da citizens of Australia dey have to surrender previous passport 2 Australian embassy. and at day time dey can change da name and a new passport issuance from Australia 2 their citizens.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Victor, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    We live in this world as humans but we fight like animals on various grounds such country / cate/ creed/ religion but death nothing can be Proved. So death is the ultimate goal. So why we all fight ? Simply to statice fly our ego. No matter what is the cast creed religion we all going to die one day and it is the harsh reality. Only concern is how we live happily. Compensation is the right and is offered by the government and is true so what is the problem. Merely changeing the name or religion we are not going to change our feeling or human relationship.. Any one who go abroad for their better future are not wrong but why they went out is the question to be answered by us. Why youngster are going Other countires and set telling down and not returning to India is the question to be discussed. So we should realised the fact that we are failed to give our children a good future.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Thu, Aug 27 2020

    4 us animals cows r most important dan humans

    DisAgree [3] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deepak, Mang/dxb

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Settled in Australia and new Zealand... is there any eligibility to claim compensation or like ellaman jatre... seriously.... any way those who change religions should be deprived from any govt free bees.

    DisAgree [15] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deshbhakt, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    No, just because they are not anymore Indians, they shouldn't be deprived of the compensation. What irks me is, that the compensation was issued in no time just because it is of a family who conducts worship. Whereas those who suffered losses last year are still waiting for the compensation. Why this partiality ? And, especially for a man who has more that 200 Acres of land, income from it but the poor have to beg for it.

    Moreover, his daughters could be generous enough to forgo the compensation and say some poor deserve it more. Because they have now inherited all the property after their parents' passing away. That's not all, the daughters were after the compensation handed over to ther maternal aut too. How low can one stoop !

    DisAgree [4] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Thu, Aug 27 2020

    Deepak Mang.dxb,why ?By changing religion ,or same religion,they remain still as deceased persons next kin,daughters.why is this policy?It is simply their decision what religion they follow.Compensation should be given to them as his daughters ,not on religious matters.one should be fair enough.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro, M'luru

    Thu, Aug 27 2020

    @ Rita, Germany,
    This is not a religious issue. Compensation is withheld for changing names of beneficiaries, not for changing religion. They did not notify the authorities about the change in their names. That's why cheques were issued in their original names.

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • H. Almeida., Bendur/Andheri

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Religion, Race, Nationality are meaningless, abstract after death !!!! God, Heaven, Hell, are concepts for the living not for the dead !!! The tragic deaths of temple priest Narayan Achar and his wife is tragic !!! They have two daughters, compensation by the state cannot be denied or withheld, despite their nationality or faith they profess !!!

    DisAgree [5] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prem Patrao, Olathe, Kansas/ Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    This is a total mischaracterization of what actually happened here. The issue is not the religious conversion, but the name change. Nobody is withholding compensation because they apparently changed religion. They just wont be able to deposit the check in the bank since the name on the check will not match the account holders name. Looks like someone is trying to sensationalize this and give it a religious angle.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • k b r, Mangala Uru

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    as per press reports, these same daughters were keen to get compensation due to Uncle's death also... their uncle (father's brother) also died in landslide and he was bachelor... Since he was bachelor his nearest relative was determined as his sister... but these foreign citizen daughters are claiming that their parents took care of the bachelor and so compensation has to be given to them and not to sister of the dead bachelor priest...(their own aunt)... GREED has no limits...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunil Pinto, Dubai/ Udupi

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    It does not matter if they are greedy. Everyone is greedy including Ambanis and Adanis. Anyway, the govt has decided to give all those who lost their land and lives, compensation to the next of kin, whether they are from Madikeri or Melbourne...if the cheques have not been given yet, it is only because of Christian name change not registered with indian authorities, which the 2 sisters have to first resolve through submitting documentation...only some paper work involved.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • k b r, Mangala Uru

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    they are entitled to the compensation since they are daughters...forget the legal / procedural impediments... however why should they grudge/eye their aunt for getting compensation on behalf of the bachelor brother who died...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • S. John, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Why are we worried?
    They did not ask for compensation...
    They were given the cheques and they requested to change the name of the bearer....
    If you don't change, fine. The cheques will not be credited...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deshbhakt, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    No, they did not ask for it but it came their way and they happily accepted it. Why didn't they instead refuse it and requested the govt to compensate somebody more deserving ? Now that they've accepted what came their way, why did they give their old names ? Aren't they supposed to give their present name ? If religion was the question, the cheques would have been withheld and they could ask the court for the reason.

    Nevertheless, to grant the compensation based on religion is wrong and now not changing the names in the cheques also wrong.

    Just imagine how cunning both parties are !

    DisAgree [2] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cynthia, Kirem

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Wowww....beautiful comment... Nice one

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • sri_elder, Karkala

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Simple solution is government can arrange for paying in Cash!
    Cash payments are perfectly alright.
    Special situation... Special solution

    DisAgree [10] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Santan Mascarenhas, Kinnigoli/Bangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    In all circumstances, these daughters are first line heirs and they are eligible to get the money. Probably, by now they may not be Non Residents, but Persons of Indian Origin They are eligible to open all types of bank accounts like Non Residents.

    The best thing for them was to open a non resident ordinary account by names Sharada Shannon Fernandes nee Achar and Nimita Nazareth nee Achar, by submitting their birth certificates, marriage certificates and passport copies.

    Then all cheques coming in both of their names can be accepted and encashed in those accounts.

    DisAgree Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • k b r, Mangala Uru

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    When in India, people say Hinduism is the greatest religion...when in USA, Australia, NZ etc. etc. same people convert to local religion for better acceptance / prospects in visa, citizenship, jobs, better prospects in church charities... etc. etc. this is not uncommon... Many marry locals with the object of visa extension / citizenship as spouse...

    DisAgree [7] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Cynthiya,

    Good observation indeed !

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cynthia, Kirem

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Thank you boss....Both Lan sir and Bhandar sirs are missing here. Wanted to read their valuable comments...😁

    DisAgree [1] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shuba, Mangaluru

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    It is irrespective of caste or country where the children of the diseased temple priest are staying they should get their share as long as they are born to those parents. Why discriminate them where they belong and which caste they are following. As long as they are born in that family they should have full legal rights.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • k b r, Mangala Uru

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Tala Kaveri is sacred place for Hindus... Kaveri river sacred river for Hindus... Hindus consider priests of this temple as beacon-lights of Hinduism and protectors of the religion... however Hindu dharma could not be protected within the priest's family...both daughters dumped swadesha as well as swadharma...

    It is common among Hindus to adopt "religion of convenience" when they go abroad in overshow to "belong to the adopted country", Bobby Jindal says he is "christian", Kamala Harris claims to be "Baptist"...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shan, Udupi

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Priest is a profession...... after all everyone is bothered about money.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kishore Kumar, Mangaluru

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    New Tulu film to be released soon
    ...... BHATRENA MAGAL part-2

    DisAgree [2] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    hAhAhAhAhA....😁😁😁👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👍👍👍

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vishu, Moodabidri

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    This is the lesson for parents who think, all is well in foreign countries.

    DisAgree [14] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cynthia, Kirem

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Visho, karkalag pothara? Beejada factory tood bokka report korle sir....moodbidreg Kaithal athe mere....

    DisAgree [2] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cynthia, Kirem

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Dear ones, you left your house, you left your country, you left your religion, you even left your original names and now why do you want compensation from this country? What your parents belonging to priests' community, must have gone through when both the daughters change the religion? You all are young, instead of fighting work and earn...your parents will bless your efforts....

    DisAgree [13] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • Say as it is, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Why do you people want compensation on your parent's death. When they are alive, you were nt here to look after them. Let the souls of parents rest in heavenly peace. Please pray for them. Don't fight...now go back to yor families and take care of them.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alphonse Menezes, Udupi

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Inheritance is for deceased temple Poojary Archaka's children, generation.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • sense_Shetty, mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Maybe church should take over ? the matters at hand ..

    DisAgree [28] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deshbhakt, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Mr. Shetty,

    Where is Church relevant in this matter ? It's Temple, it's deceased priest & his family. Why/how is a Church involving ? Whatever change in their faith may have happened in Australia/New Zealand. If anything wasn't acceptable, their parents would have taken necessary steps. Why are you dragging the Church in it ?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chandu, Karla

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    You need to check the sense.......what church got to do with this matter......your comment does not make any sense.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Michael, Brahmavar

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Make in India and settle abroad.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • sri_elder, Karkala

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Please do not run behind government money since you are already very rich and settled somewhere else.. Unfortunately many things happened and only pray for your parents sadgathi...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    how do u know dey r rich????????? I witnessed beggars in India were found lakhs & lakhs were found after the deaths!!!!!!!!!

    DisAgree [8] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deshbhakt, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    David, even if they aren't rich abroad, inheriting their father's property itself is sufficient for them for generations. They should have been thoughtful about people who suffered losses last year yet not received compensation.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh. D., Manglore, Dubai.

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    I humbly request you to arrange to donate that money to someone (irrespective of religion) who lost their house in Madikeri & do not have any means to live.
    I believe that. this is not a big amount for the people who are settled in western counties

    DisAgree [7] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sanjay, Hebri

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Now i understand why they didn't want to live and deliberately stayed and awaited destiny.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ray M, MANGALORE

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Psalm 118:6-7
    The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sachidananda Shetty, Mundkur/Dubai

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Everywhere "Golmaal" and then blame Govt for everything!!!

    DisAgree [42] Agree [55] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chandu, Karla

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Shettre, Would you say same thing if they were your close relatives.????

    DisAgree [23] Agree [62] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sachidananda Shetty, Mundkur/Dubai

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Chandu Bhai.... I am damn sure.... nobody in my family never ever convert to any other religion.... so there is no question of your family or my family, etc, etc

    DisAgree [5] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anil, Dubai

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    They are entitled for compensation from govt because family home is destroyed with deaths happening due to landslide, and now did not get so because they converted ...so, where is the golmaal?🤔

    DisAgree [23] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • Krish, Udupi

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    both living in Australia and newzeland.... does not make any difference if home destroyed... more over how to believe duo is daughters of victim??

    official is asking document for name change as there is some thing doughtful as how achar became fernandes or nazreth

    DisAgree [5] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • sathish jm, Kumpala

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Golmaal is in their ill intention and greediness for money. Religious conversion should not deny them the compensation but they gave wrong names for just for claiming the money. They can still save their face by donating that amount to some other flood victims...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro, M'luru

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    They did not get compensation because of change in names and not because of conversion. The cheques were already issued in their original names. Why blame the govt.? Conversion to Christianity does not require change of name or personal identity.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • A A, Dubai

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Do ghar wapasi for now and get the money, and then go back to Australia and become Shannon and Namitha Nazereth once again. Problem solved.

    DisAgree [14] Agree [90] Reply Report Abuse

  • CHRISTINE, MANGALORE

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    fantastic answer

    DisAgree [4] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    hAhAhAhAhA....😁😁😁👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👍👍👍

    DisAgree [3] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • ALEX ABRAHAM, Belman

    Wed, Aug 26 2020

    Double A...Why only initials ? Looks like you have done wapsi many times

    DisAgree [4] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Madikeri: Priest's children's religious conversion impedes disbursal of compensation



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.