Rajyotsava celebrated in Raichur

​Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology and Raichur district in-charge Ajay Singh praised the immense contribution made by leaders and freedom fighters who spearheaded the Karnataka unification movement, highlighting the State’s rich cultural heritage and religious tolerance.

​Addressing a gathering after unfurling the national flag during the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium in Raichur on Sunday, Dr. Singh recalled the century-long struggle to bring Kannada-speaking regions under a unified State as they lay scattered under the British administration.

​”Deputy Chennabasappa initiated the movement for unification as early as 1856. The century-long agitation culminated in the creation of the unified Mysore State on November 1, 1956, which was subsequently renamed Karnataka by the then Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs on November 1, 1973,” Dr. Singh said.

​He remembered the invaluable contribution of prominent stalwarts, including Alur Venkataraya (Kannada Kulapurohita), Acharya B.M. Srikanthaiah, A.N. Krishnarao, Hardekar Manjappa, Kuvempu, S. Nijalingappa, H.S. Doreswamy, Bellary Siddamma and Patil Puttappa, among others.

​Highlighting the State’s literary and cultural achievements, the Minister noted that Karnataka remains a sanctuary of religious tolerance, moral conduct and peaceful coexistence.