Extreme-Makeover of a Junk Road Roller attracts ‘Selfie’ Buffs
Mangaluru: Once an abandoned and dilapidated Road Roller sitting next to the Jeppu Market-Mangaluru has now become a public attraction and a perfect spot for all those who want to click photographs posing in front of it or take a “Selfie”. Thanks to the initiative taken by an artist named Pradeep Kumar and also a bevy of Monks at Ramakrishna Math-Mangaluru. Sources reveal that the road roller, which was lying abandoned for years, was given a face-lift and converted into a beautiful background for a perfect selfie. The idea of converting abandoned road roller into a selfie spot was conceptualized by a dentist-turned-artist Pradeep Kumar aka ” Varnodhar”, along with the support for this initiative from Ramakrishna Math, that has been undertaking Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan (campaign)- and according to a monk at the Math, an inaugural function is planned in the nearest future.
The man behind the extreme- makeover of this road roller, a person specialized in making caricatures, portraits, concept art and comics-Pradeep Kumar who had noticed this dilapidated road roller sitting at a corner near the Jeppu Market wanted to give it a new look and turn it into a public attraction spot. He decided to contact Swami Jithakamanandaji, the head of Ramakrishna Math, Mangaluru who have initiated Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan, with his initiative of converting the junk road roller into a selfie spot- and he got the go from the Math officials for his project.
Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Swami Ekagamyanandaji of Ramakrishna Math said, “We the Math officials had agreed to extend all support to Pradeep Kumar on his unique project of transforming an abandoned road roller to attract selfies. We are thankful for artist Pradeep for his voluntary service for the success of our Swacch Mangaluru Abhiyan. As a part of our Abhiyan, he has also expressed his willingness to paint walls near Hampankatta. We have plans to create a garden in the surrounding areas near the road roller located near Jeppu Market. A formal inaugural ceremony will be organized within a week or so”.
Speaking to Team Mangalorean, artist Pradeep said, ” I am extremely happy to be associated with Arise Awake team of Ramakrishna Math, who have extended support for my project. They took the necessary permission from the MCC and other authorities and we undertook the task of giving a new look to the junk road roller. Six volunteers supported me in the painting job including a purchase of acrylic spray paint that cost nearly Rs 10,000. We all started working on a Saturday at around 5.30 am, and we realized that the road roller was rusted and had to be given zinc coating, and the painting task lasted for two days. I am overwhelmed with the support from the Ramakrishna Math officials, who have plans to create a lawn/garden around the road roller spot, which no doubt will become an attraction for everyone, young and old,”.