Ram Lalla sculptor Arun Yogiraj denied US visa for AKKA conference

MYSURU: Arun Yogiraj, the sculptor of the Bala Rama idol installed at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has been denied a visa to visit the USA. The Association of Kannada Kootas of America, popularly known as AKKA, had invited Arun Yogiraj for the 12th World AKKA conference as the chief guest.

Arun Yogiraj said this was the first time he had applied for a US visa and was not sure why his application was rejected. Speaking to Public TV, Arun Yogiraj said, “Perhaps, I did not meet their criteria. This is the first time I had applied for a US visa. The document verification had been completed and the interview was on August 10. But then they said there has been a delay”.

Further, he said, “I had submitted all the required documents. The Ministry of External Affairs had also given its recommendation. We told them that it was for the first time that an artist would be getting a chance to witness the art and culture of that country and also that an award is being presented. But the US consulate denied me a visa”.

He also said that he is not disappointed over denial of the visa, but added that his daughter was upset. “There were a few other programmes lined up in Seattle and other places, being organised by Kannada groups, but I have conveyed to them that my visa application was rejected”, he added.

The AKKA conference will be held between August 30 and September 1 at the Greater Richmond Convention Centre at Richmond, Virginia.