In 2002, Srinivas donated bonsai plants to Lalbagh, where he believed their safety was ensured.
After a showdown with Lalbagh authorities and Lok Ayukta over the years, ‘Bonsai’ Srinivas has finally received an assurance from none other than urban development minister Suresh Kumar that his contribution to Lalbagh’s bonsai’s park will get its due recognition. Earlier, Lalbagh’s authorities had lost the foundation stone dedicated to his parents.
In an interaction with Kumar in the Lalbagh bonsai garden on Friday, Srinivas said: “We want justice. We have been insulted and it is not something that we are willing to compromise on.”
In 2002, Srinivas donated bonsai plants to Lalbagh, where he believed their safety was ensured. “I wanted a shelter for the plants and when Lalbagh authorities showed interest, I was thrilled. But my only request was that they name this bonsai park after my parents,” added Srinivas.
Srinivas is the son of Bangalore’s first mayor HS Seetharam. The bonsai park’s foundation stone was laid in 2002, but there was no development afterwards.
“In 2002, Lalbagh designated 2.5 acres for the bonsai park and promised to sign an MoU with Srinivas, agreeing to inscribe his parents’ name on the plaque at the entrance,” said Srinivas.
Between 2003 and 2006, Srinivas was living abroad. On his return, he was shocked to see that the foundation stone and plaque were missing. “This came to me as a rude shock and an insult. When I asked for an explanation, they gave me lame excuses; it was unacceptable,” he said.
Srinivas also approached the Lokayukta when he realised that he would not be able to get justice from the Lalbagh authorities.
“Even there, I was disappointed. Finally, I approached the minister for urban development, Suresh Kumar, along with my uncle and freedom fighter HS Doreswamy,” he added.
Kumar said: “I will be talking to the authorities concerned and have the foundation stone and canopy reinstalled. I will also make sure that the MoU is signed.”
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