SANNIDANAM: In a sense, the floods and the Sabarimala women entry is positive, says Devaswom Board President A. Padmakumar. “It might be Lord Ayyappa’s wish to bring someone to that position who can face all these crisis situations”, said Padmakumar to Keralakaumudi in an exclusive interview.

Full Interview:

You are much more related to Sabarimala than former Presidents of Devaswom Board. Do these controversies hurt you?

I was a journalist and newspaper agent based in Sabarimala from 1968 to 1983. Ananthakrishna Iyer, the head priest of Sabarimala from 1907 to 1921, is the grandfather of my mother. After I took charge as Devaswom Board President, floods hit which was followed by Sabarimala women entry issue. But in a sense, I consider these problems to be positive. It must have been Lord Ayyappa’s wish to bring someone to that position who is able to face crisis situations. Personally, I had to face a lot of allegations and attacks. There is an emotional aspect for my responsibilities in Sabarimala.

Are there any vested interests behind all these controversies?

Controversies are a part of every Mandala-Makaravilakku season. There were controversies in the name of Mullaperiyar and security. But nothing can harm Sabarimala.

A new controversy surrounding ‘Annadanam’?

It is a baseless controversy. The board have decided to conduct food offering (Annadanam) camps at Sabarimala, Pampa, Nilakkal, Panthalam and Chengannoor. This is facilitated so that Ayyappa devotees coming from different places can get food easily. It will take at least Rs. 7 crores in order to make food available round the clock, while the board have only 2 crores in hand. Many have come forward to co-operate with us on this. We follow all the rules and guidelines while co-operating with different organisations. One can donate money or items. We have done nothing illegal. The cost of Annadanam was Rs. 22 lakhs in 2015-16 and Rs. 88 lakhs in 2016-17. Last year it came down to Rs. 35 lakhs. The people who are raising their voice now should enquire why the cost went up in 16-17.

Will these controversies taint Sabarimala’s glory?

These controversies are only temporary. No one can harm Sabarimala. There is no need for unnecessary constructions at Sabarimala. We won’t allow any more such constructions here. Basic needs like toilet, drinking water and food should be met. All extension building should be demolished. The traditional ‘Manikinar’ should be reinstated. There are plans to renovate ‘Basmakulam’. There are also plans to pave tiles on the traditional route.

Other development plans?

The construction of a bridge that connects Pampa hilltop to Ganapathi Temple will begin soon. Starting this January, the project will completed in 18 months. The expected cost is Rs. 25 crores. There won’t be any other permanent constructions at Pampa. There are also plans to construct an environment friendly ropeway from Hilltop to Manimandapam which will facilitate the transport necessary items to Sabarimala. Diesel vehicles will only be allowed till Nilakkal. Battery electric vehicles will be deployed to Sabarimala. Chengannur will be made into a pilgrim shelter. The project will cost Rs. 18.5 crores. The initial phase will be completed using funds from KIIFB.