Fight to #SaveNellidadi Guttu: A Social Media Movement Gaining Momentum

For nearly two decades, the villagers of Nellidadi Guttu, a small hamlet in Karnataka’s Mangalore, have been striving to reclaim their place of worship. With no other recourse left, they are now turning to the people of India, urging mass support to help them fight for their sacred land. This is not just a local struggle; it is a battle to preserve their cultural and religious identity.

 

 

 

 

Tribal communities across India have long faced pressure from religious conversions, leading to an identity crisis for many. However, the tribes of Tulunadu have fiercely protected their Hindu roots, resisting multiple waves of cultural encroachments. Their unique traditions and customs demand safeguarding against any attempts to dilute their heritage.

 

Now, the 800-year-old legacy of Nellidadi Guttu is at risk of being erased due to the Mangalore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Project. The primary question remains—why are the villagers being denied the right to worship their revered Goddess, Jumaadi?

 

 

Since 2006, the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has held control over the land of Nellidadi Guttu for SEZ development. The villagers, having lost their homes and livelihoods, now demand at least the restoration of their ‘Daivas’—their guardian deities.

 

The impact of the film Kantara has familiarized millions with the sacred tradition of ‘Daiva Aradhane,’ shedding light on the significance of ‘Daivas’ in Tulu culture. Now, the villagers are leveraging this newfound awareness to seek mass backing for the revival of the Jumaadi temple.

 

 

Nellidadi Guttu, with its rich 800-year history, is on the verge of being wiped out to make way for industrial expansion. The villagers, displaced since 2006, have only one plea—to ensure that their Goddess’s temple remains untouched.

 

When the KIADB acquired the land, the entire village was vacated for SEZ development. While they have come to terms with losing their homes, they are determined to prevent the erasure of their religious heritage. A petition has been submitted to both central and state governments, but the response has been largely indifferent. However, a recent surge in social media activism has brought renewed attention to their cause.

 

 

Villagers have expressed their concerns through media channels, emphasizing the spiritual significance of their land:

 

 

 

 

 

According to reports, during discussions about relocating 22 households in Nellidadi Guttu, the Mangalore SEZ Company assured villagers that temple rituals—including daily offerings, Sankramana, Diwali, Chauthi, Ashtami, Mari Utsav, Bandi Utsav, Chavadi Nema, and rites for deceased family members—would be permitted. A similar assurance was given during a meeting chaired by the District Collector in December 2016.

 

Despite these promises, MSEZ officials later prohibited religious activities. When villagers requested permission for Sankrama Seva on February 12th, they were informed that this would be the last permitted ritual and that all future worship would be banned.

 

 

Local farmers have proposed an alternative approach, suggesting that the government focus on agricultural development rather than industrial expansion. They have called for the region to be declared a “Special Agricultural Zone” instead of an SEZ, emphasizing the importance of food security and ecological sustainability.

 

 

With traditional media offering limited coverage, social media influencers from Mangalore and beyond have started amplifying the villagers’ concerns. Twitter is flooded with posts, urging authorities to recognize the plight of Nellidadi Guttu and take corrective measures before it is too late.

 

(Here, pictures of tweets and social media posts supporting the cause would be included.)