The 507th birthday of Bengaluru founder Kempegowda was celebrated on Tuesday with gaiety and fervour by the Karnataka government and the city's 10 million denizens.
"Kempegowda's birthday will be celebrated in all the 30 districts across the state on June 27 every year as 'jayanthi' (festival) to commemorate his singular contribution to the growth and development of Bengaluru," said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the occasion.
Asserting that a great personality like Kempegowda should not be confined to a particular community (Vokkaligas), the Chief Minister said the people from all communities should celebrate his birthday every year, as he was the founding father of the state capital.
"Kempegowda's jayanthi should have been celebrated since many years ago but got delayed. It will be celebrated every year hereafter," reiterated Siddaramaiah.
He stated that the objective of the celebration was to educate the people on the founder's grand vision, planning and building a futuristic city.
"Kempegowda's development works, including building the city's infrastructure during his regime, inspires us even after 500 years," pointed out the Chief Minister.
Union Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, who represents the Bengaluru North Lok Sabha seat, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, state Power Minster D.K. Shivakumar, state Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree, City Mayor G. Padmanvathy and others participated in the event at the state's secretariat in the city centre.
"Kempegowda built four towers in the north, south, east and west of Bengaluru, with a view to limiting its growth up to a point at 3,000 feet above the sea level. He also developed several water bodies, including lakes and tanks for water supply to its people through the year," recalled Siddaramaiah.
Shivakumar appealed to the state government not to declare holiday on June 27 to celebrate Kempegowda birthday.
"The whole world is looking at Bengaluru. Let us celebrate Kempegowda's birthday meaningfully by planting saplings and participating in social work," said Shivakumar.
Umashree lauded the contribution of Kempegowda to Bengaluru.
--IANS
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