Mysore/Mysuru: Former MLC D. Madegowda, who is popularly known as ‘Mane Madegowda’ for his ‘Asha Mandira’ and other housing schemes under which scores of shelterless either got homes or sites, was felicitated by Yuva Grama Abhyudaya Samithi on his 81st birthday at his (Madegowda) residence in Kumbarakoppal here yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, local leader Patel Nagaraj said that Madegowda, as the Chairman of the then CITB (now MUDA), is credited with the formation of 9 localities and distribution of over 30,000 sites in a span of just 18 months, which is why he is known as ‘Mane Madegowda.’

 Maintaining that it is a coincidence that Madegowda is celebrating his birthday just a day after erstwhile Mysore ruler Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Jayanti (June 4), he said that the former MLC has won many coveted awards and prizes including Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Award for social service and Karnataka State Award. He further said that Madegowda received a prestigious National Award for implementation of ‘Nirmala Nagara’ Project.

He said that Madegowda is also credited with the development of Mahadeshwara temple in Kumbarakoppal on the lines of M.M. Hills temple in Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district. He also established Mahadeshwara Samudaya Bhavan and Basava Samudaya Bhavan in the locality, he added. Chamaraja Constituency BJP leaders Kumar Gowda, Raju, Navin, Cheluvegowda, Manjugowda, Dinesh, Adarsh, Ganesh, Pattabhi, Siddegowda, Bharath, Praveen and others were present.