Date:26/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/26/stories/2007102657660200.htm

Karnataka

Award sought in Channamma’s name

Staff Correspondent

Kalburgi recalls the queen’s battle against ‘colonial injustice’ of British

Kittur (Belgaum District): Former Vice-Chancellor and noted writer M.M. Kalburgi has urged the Union Government to institute an award in the name of Rani Channamma, the queen of Kittur Princely State.

Addressing a gathering at the valedictory of the three-day “Kittur Utsav-2007” here on Thursday, he recalled the queen’s battle against the “colonial injustice” of the British and said that it continued to be a great source of inspiration to the people of the region. He stressed the need to constitute a committee of experts to carry out research on Rani Channamma and her rule.

Noted theatre personality Natyabhushan Yenagi Balappa said that the Kittur Utsav provided platform to inculcate patriotic values among the younger generation.

He paid tributes to the late Shivalingaiah, who wrote a play on the life of Rani Channamma, which was later enacted by a troupe led by Mr. Balappa himself.

Commissioner of Information Department K.V. R. Tagore said that the present generation should draw inspiration from the queen and fight against all evils in society. Environmental activist Suresh Heblikar, Director of Tourism C. Somashekar and Inspector General of Police, North Western Range, Raghavendra Auradkar, spoke.

MLA Jagdish Metgud presided over the function. Sri Chennabasava Swami of Madiwaleshwar Mutt, Garag, was present. MLA Suresh Marihal welcomed the gathering. Gurukiran and troupe from Bangalore performed. A play “Krishna Parijatha” was enacted by Malabai Sambrekar.