In Navsari, a fight for Pratapsinh Rao Gaekwad's statue

Surat: A drive by eminent citizens of Navsari town has put local municipal authorities under pressure to reconsider their decision to develop a sports complex around a magnificent statue of the last ruler of Baroda state Pratapsinh Rao Gaekwad. The movement to protect the statue that was installed at Lunsikui ground in 1947 has got support from people from all walks of life.
Navsari municipality is now working to make required changes in the structure that is being developed around the statue. The structure on one side of the statue is under construction and is going to block the view of the statue completely.
"Pratapsinh Rao contributed a lot to develop Navsari town when he was king of Baroda state. This magnificent statue is reminder of the rich history of the town ever since it was installed in 1947. The new sports complex is being developed in a manner that it will cover the statue which is tantamount to dishonouring the memory of the king," said Kersi Deboo, director, Gujarat Minorities Development Corporation and a lawyer from Navsari.
The statue is at a location where people visiting Lunsikui can see it. "The building so close to it is an insult. I took up the issue with some friends and eminent citizens of the city. I also shared my opinion on Facebook page after which I got support from many people in my endeavour," added Deboo.
He and other eminent citizens expressed their objections to Navsari municipality over the sports complex at Lunsikui ground. The old building there was recently demolished for a new one. Citizens also expressed unhappiness over the fact that the write-up on the statue pedestal has faded.
"Municipality officials are holding talks with the citizens who had raised objections to the sports complex. We will find some solution to the issue in a manner that doesn't hurt anyone's feelings," Navsari municipality president Alka Desai said.