NT Reporter Ponda
Infrastructure issues at the Rajiv Kala Mandir, Ponda, came under fresh criticism on Sunday after a power outage disrupted a student felicitation program after the supply failed to
switch to UPS backup. The blackout lasted for nearly half an hour, forcing organisers to continue the event in darkness, with students and parents using their mobile phone torches for illumination.
When contacted, Kala Mandir staff said the auditorium is usually equipped to switch to UPS backup during outages, but on this occasion, it failed.
They said the exact cause of the outage remains unknown, and the technician responsible was not on duty at the time. Sources said main power supply resumed within 15 minutes, but due to a technical glitch, auditorium power could not be restored immediately.
The felicitation program was organised by Congress functionary Rajesh Verenkar’s Ponda First outfit. The incident occurred around 11 am while Chief Guest, motivational speaker Dr C. Subramanian, had just begun his keynote address.
Within two minutes of starting, the auditorium was plunged into darkness.
Despite expecting power to return shortly, the speaker continued his address, taking students and parents into confidence. However, the outage continued for about 30 minutes, during which students, parents, and even the chief guest relied on mobile torches.
“This shows how the BJP government is not concerned about facilitating the people,” Verenkar said while addressing the press.
