76-year-old Udupi security guard gets mural tribute at Manipal hotel

Udupi: In a rare gesture of recognition, a 76-year-old security guard in Udupi has been honoured with a mural at the hotel where he has worked for over a decade.Krishna Shetty of Hiriyadka, who has been associated with Hotel Madhuvan Serai in Manipal for 13 years, now has his portrait painted on the compound wall at the entrance — an unusual tribute for a security guard.Shetty, who has spent over two decades working as a security guard at various places, said he was overwhelmed when he saw the painting last month. "I feel blessed to have such owners who value my work and have assured me that I can continue as long as I am able. Meeting people keeps my mind fresh and active. During the lockdown, I was deeply upset without work," he said.Managing director H Damodar Nayak said the idea emerged during a wall-painting project featuring Warli art by artist Shivaprasad Nayak. "We thought of including Shetty's portrait, and it turned out beautifully. The response has been overwhelmingly positive," he said.