From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 14: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai inaugurated the centenary celebration of Socialist leader from Shivamogga late Shanthaveri Gopalagowda on Monday, March 14 and announced the government’s decision to institute two awards for the best legislator and agriculturist to commemorate the memory.

In his address, he said the State Government will be observing the centenary celebration throughout the year with year-long programmes besides publishing all books pertaining to the popular late Socialist leader. The farmers struggle undertaken by Gopalagowda in Shivamogga district will also be chronicled in book form, he said.

The Chief Minister mentioned that Gopalagowda was a contemporary of his father SR Bommai and both shared the same ideology. His ideals and thoughts were beacon lights for the present generation, he said eulogising the Socialist for his thought-provoking and fiery speeches in and outside the legislature.

Bommai said Gopalagowda was inspired by Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan from a young age and dedicated his life to fight for the rights of farmers, landless, agricultural labourers and tenants.

Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, Cooperation Minister ST Somashekar and others participated in the programme.