Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Nov 19: Dr Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji of Adichunchanagiri along with chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and other dignitaries unveiled the 'Statue of Gallantry' of freedom fighter Kedambadi Ramaiah Gowda at Bautagudda here on Saturday November 19.

Speaking during the stage programme, Bommai said, "Ramaiah Gowda is great freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for the freedom of our country. As we are born after Independence, we do not know the struggle of those who fought for the liberation of the country from the British rule. If there is no freedom of speech and other rights, it is slavery.

“We achieved freedom through the sacrifices of several freedom fighters. The British who came for trade used our own people against our country as we did not have unity. When farmers hit streets demanding independence, they were compelled to leave the country. Farmers came as soldiers for independence struggle. Whenever farmer joined protests, it became a revolution. This shook the British rulers,” he said.

He stated that there are several freedom fighters who did not get recognition. He also assured a memorial statue of Kedambadi Ramaiah Gowda and other unrecognized freedom fighters in Bengaluru. “By learning history. we should always keep remembering their contribution for the country. They are an inspiration for us,” he said.

Taunting MLA U T Khader for his speech stating that why governments failed to remember great freedom fighter for 75 years and build a statue, Bommai questioned why did the Congress government failed to do it.

He also added that he will take measures to include a chapter on Kedambadi Ramaiah Gowda in school text books.

Ministers S Angara, Dr Ashwath Narayana, Bengaluru north MP D V Sadananda Gowda, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, Bharath Shetty, Sanjeeva Matandoor, U T Khader, mayor Jayananda Anchan, deputy commissioner Ravikumar M R, district panchayat chief executive Dr Kumar, police commissioner N Shashi Kumar, Mangaluru City Corporation commissioner Sridhar and other elected representatives and officers were present.