Udupi: Leaders, Public Bid Tearful Farewell to Dr V S Acharya
Shubhalakshmi
Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
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Udupi, Feb 14: State higher education minister and Udupi district incharge Dr V S Acharya was given a tearful farewell on Tuesday February 14 night at the Rajatadri district complex in Manipal here, amidst a galaxy of leaders, politicians, well-wishers and thousands of people who had gathered from across the region.
Veteran BJP leaders L K Advani, Eshwarappa, Jagadish Shettar, C M Udasi, Anant Kumar, Halappa, C T Ravi, chief minister Sadananda Gowda, former chief minister Yeddyurappa, former union minister Janardhan Poojary, legislative council chairman D H Shankaramurthy, former MLA U R Sabhapati, MLA Prabhakar Bangera, MLA Raghupati Bhat, Vasant Salian, Katapadi Ramapujary, MLA Gopal Bhandary, Harikrishna Punaroor, DC Dr Reju, Fr Mathew Vas, parish priest of Angelore church, Fr Richard Coellho, administrator of Fr Muller Charitable Hospital, MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik, Rahim Uchil, Kota Srinivasa Poojary, Pratapchandra Shetty and many others were present to pay their final respects.
An emotional Sadananda Gowda said that Dr Acharya had always strived to build BJP's image in the state and give the party a firm footing. "He was a visionary, an extraordinary scholar who led a simple life," he said.
He further added, "I had planned to seek his help in presenting the budget, for which he had even agreed. If he had been alive, we could have come up with a very good budget. His blessings will always guide me in my duty as a chief minister."
Primary and higher education minister Vishweshwar Kageri expressed his shock at the sudden death of Dr Acharya and said, "He had rendered great service to Udupi and ably led the town municipality. He was affectionate and worked hard to realize his dreams."
Former MP Vinay Kumar Sorake in his tribute said that Dr Acharya was known for his simplicity and goodness. "He was a rare politician, without any blemish on his image. He had a unique personality that defined him. He did not have a partisan mentality, and firmly adhered to his beliefs and principles."
Dr Mohan Alva, chairman, Alva's Education Trust, Moodbidri, was also present. Showering his tribute on Dr Acharya, he said that he considered him his guru. "Dr Acharya guided and enabled me to lead a life of values. He had a pure heart. No other politician has done as much for Udupi's development as he did."
Dr Acharya's body was then taken in a procession to Beedinagudde, his hometown, for the last rites, which were conducted by his sons Dr Kiran and Dr Raviraj Acharya. Dr Acharya was given state honour with three rounds of bullets fired into the air. Priest Srinivas Tantri oversaw the funeral rites.
Rituals related to last rites were also held at Dr Acharya's residence prior to the funeral. A programme will be held at Ammanni Ramana Shetty Hall on Wednesday February 15 to pay homage.
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