Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email I think some of the local universities had a temple in their compound – maybe due to the fact that the universities were built on ex-plantation or forest areas, which housed Indian families nearby.
UTM Skudai’s temple had been relocated. UM’s one is still there. UPM’s one is now under plans to be removed because UPM wants the land back. The 80-year old Maha Mariamman temple (see it on map here) was located on a half-acre plot of land within the university’s ground, according to the temple’s land and building committee chairman K.G. Kuppusamy.
“We are requesting the university officials to reconsider taking back the land. Perhaps they can sell us the plot of land or provide us with an alternative land plus compensation of RM1.5mil to help rebuild the temple,” Kuppusamy said.He said discussions between both parties have been on-going since November last year.
Yesterday, some 200 people gathered at the Sri Maha Mariaman temple near to voice their worries over the temple land problem.
What would be the ideal solution for this issue? The temple is as old as the precursor of UPM, which was the School of Agriculture, officially instituted on 21 May, 1931 by John Scott. UPM itself was established in 1971. Basicall, you have an historic site. Perhaps it can be declared as a heritage site? As for community, I guess UPM students will frequent the temple, along with residents who live nearby. Sometimes, the in-house temples are venues for cultural and religious programs held by students. Not sure if its still the same.
Is this a state or federal issue? Since universities are granted certain amount of autonomy, can they decide on their own? Can state government reclaim the land if such situation arises?
Another blow for Hindus in Selangor.
Since UPM is in Selangor, would the great hero Xavier would again claim that this is a small issue and that UPM is right in their action ?