Sunil Kumar criticises removal of Udupi doctor’s name from Rajyotsava award list

G.S. Chandrashekhar, founder of Udupi-based Adarsha Hospital. | Photo Credit: UMESH S. SHETTIGAR Karkala MLA V. Sunil Kumar has criticised the conduct of the State government in dropping the name of G.S. Chandrashekar, the founder of Udupi-based Adarsha Hospital, from the list of state-level Rajyotsava awardees.In a statement, the MLA said the name of Dr. Chandrashekar was among those in the first list of awardees that was announced. Later, Dr. Chandrashekar’s name was dropped from the final list by way of an amending order.Apart from being in the medical field for a long time, Dr. Chandrashekar has been involved in many social activities. He has been a strong voice for the people and has been working hard for the betterment of society. Mr. Kumar said he is dismayed by the government’s neglect of Dr. Chandrashekar’s services.The MLA has condemned the government for insulting Dr. Chandrashekar by removing his name from the list. He has also condemned the Udupi district administration for not holding a proper function to celebrate Rajyotsava in Udupi on Sunday.Asked for his response, Udupi District In-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad told reporters in Udupi on Sunday that the deletion of Dr. Chandrashekar’s name did not come to his notice. Two others from Udupi district have received the State-level Rajyotsava awards, he said.The name was ostensibly removed after a social media buzz that although Dr. Chandrashekar was serving in Udupi, he was chosen under the Uttara Kannada district quota. With no other personality from Uttara Kannada selected, people questioned the choice. After removing Dr. Chandrashekar’s name, the government announced the award to journalist G.U. Bhat from Honnavara under the Uttara Kannada quota. Published - November 01, 2026 08:35 pm IST