Mysuru: “Outstanding co-operator Lalitha G.T. Devegowda, who has been conferred with the prestigious state-level Sahakara Ratna award by the State Government, is being feted for her immense contribution to the co-operative sector and this honour is attributed to her service to the society”, said Adichunchanagiri Mutt Seer Dr. Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji.

He was speaking at the ‘Lalithabhinandana’, felicitation programme organised at KSOU Convocation Hall in Muktagangothri campus on Hunsur Road here yesterday.

Noting that Lalitha was the inspiration for her MLA husband G.T. Devegowda (GTD) to grow in politics step by step, Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji said she took the responsibility of running the house and taking care of her children, balancing  domestic care with her co-operative work, whenever GTD was in turmoil in his decades old political career.

Stating that Lalitha always sported a smiling face, he said that her contributions to the co-operative sector is hardly matched today. Lalitha is an ever-smiling simple woman and supportive of the society,  he added.

Former KSOU and University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Rangappa who spoke after releasing ‘Nenapina Suruli’ booklet brought out on the occasion, said Lalitha G.T. Devegowda maintained a simple life since the beginning. Stating that she was workaholic who spoke less, Prof. Rangappa said that Lalitha should learn the art of talking as communication skills is key for growth and understanding people better.

Noted orator Prof. M. Krishnegowda, who delivered the felicitation address, said ‘Lalithabhinandana’ is only an occasion to honour Lalitha.

Terming Lalitha as a ‘Mane-Mane Tapaswi’ (A wandering ascetic or hermit who visits house to house), Prof. Krishnegowda said Lalitha maintained calmness and composure all the time, for which she will always be remembered. Though her MLA husband GTD used to shout at his followers at times, Laitha pacified them with her calm and charming personality, he said adding that Lalitha always stood supportive of her husband amid political crisis.

Agriprenuer Kavitha Mishra in her address, regretted that farmers and their children are look down upon in the society. Stressing on the need for eradicating this attitude in the society, she said that farmers too should earn a lot of money from agriculture, just like other money getting professions.

GTD gets emotional

MLA G.T. Devegowda became emotional while speaking at the programme. Tears began to roll down his eyes as Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji handed him the microphone to talk. However, his supporters who were around, succeeded in bringing down GTD’s emotions, after which he regained his composure and began his speech.

The event also featured a dance performance by noted dancer-duo Nirupama and Rajendra and team.

Pandavapura Bebi Mutt Seer Sri Trinethra Mahanta Shivayogi Swamiji, Mysuru Ramakrishna Ashrama Head Swami Muktidanandaji, Adichunchanagiri Mysuru Shakha Mutt Seer Sri Someshwaranatha Swamiji, MLC K. Vivekananda, Film producer Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, former MUDA Chairman Vijaykumar, Sowmya Ramesh & others were present. MLA and former Minister H.D. Revanna too attended the event at a later stage.