Report and Pics by Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD/SP)

Udupi, Aug 20: The birth anniversary of the late Devaraj Urs, who had served as the chief minister of Karnataka, was held at Brahmagiri Lions Bhavan, here on Thursday August 20 morning.

Zilla panchayat president Gerald Fernandes inaugurated the programme.

Speaking on this occasion, Gerald Fernandes said that the former chief minister, the late Devaraj Urs, had genuine concern for the upliftment of the poor, backward and minority communities. Although a few politicians call themselves as ‘Mannina Maga (son of the soil)’ without actually doing nothing for the downtrodden, Devaraj Urs proved himself as the true son of the soil, by implementing Land Tribunal Act, in spite of the stiff opposition from the landlords. Because of his gesture, poor tenants got the right over the land tilled by them, he said.

Furthermore, several of his projects remain unaccomplished for lack of will on the part of the politicians. If all of them are realized, the soul of Devaraj Urs will get eternal liberation, he added. 

Deputy commissioner P Hemalata, taluk panchayat president in-charge Katpady Shankar Poojary, Udupi Urban Development Authority chairman Sudhakar Shetty, Lions Club president Rajgopal Acharya, tahsildar Prasanna and zilla panchayat deputy chief executive officer Rudrappa, were present on the dais.

Tenkanidiyoor First Grade College professor Dr Niketan delivered a special lecture on Devaraj Urs, at the programme.

Backward classes and minority community department official Girish welcomed the gathering.

Narasimha Poojary compered the programme.