Mysuru: ‘Saadhaneya Shikararohana’, the revised edition of the biography of former PM and JD(S) Supremo H.D. Deve Gowda, in Kannada, was released at a programme organised at Senate Bhavan in Manasagangothri here yesterday.

Former Mangalore and Goa Universities VC Prof. B. Sheik Ali, who presided over the programme, said that it was a matter of pride that Deve Gowda become the first Kannadiga Prime Minister of the country.

Stating that Deve Gowda gave a good administration to the country as PM by working for the farmers, the poor and the less privileged sections of the society, Prof. Ali said that though Deve Gowda became the PM, he did not forget his path to the highest office. He further said that he has seen Deve Gowda for over four decades and he has a special place for the former Prime Minister.

In his address, former PM Deve Gowda recalled the crises like situation he had to face before stepping down from the office of the Prime Minister.

“The then Congress President Seetharam Kesri wanted me to consult him before taking any decisions, after being in the office for 10 months, with the support of his party. Moreover, he also wanted me to apologise for the decisions taken during the period without seeking their nod. However, I did not want to lower down the decorum of the PM’s office and eventually put down my papers,” the Vokkaliga strongman said.

Lauding late D. Devaraj Urs as one of the best Chief Ministers of the State, Gowda recalled an incident when Urs had retained an official in Hassan district at his insistence.

Prior to that, Urs did a background check through Police intelligence wing and decided to retain the official only after he was convinced of his credibility, he said. More than that, Urs wrote a letter admitting to his mistake, he added.

Deve Gowda urged biography writers Dr. Pradhan Gurudutt and Prof. C. Naganna to include some of the mistakes committed by him in the next edition, other than the eleven qualities listed by them in their work.

To write a book on his wife

The former PM further said that he would write a book on his wife Channamma, who firmly stood by him in all his works and political endeavours in over six-decades of     their marriage.

Former University of Mysore and KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Rangappa, who was instrumental in bringing out the book, said that he wished to see that Deve Gowda’s life and political journey be introduced as a text for students, so that they can come to know  more about Deve Gowda’s performance as Prime Minister.

Pointing out that he was surprised to learn about the memory power of the former PM, when he (Deve Gowda) recalled his days as the Prime Minister point by point, Prof. Rangappa said that the former PM was like a God for him.

Dr. Pradhan Gurudutt, one of the book authors, said that 20 noted achievements of the former Prime Minister has been listed in the book.

Explaining the achievements of Deve Gowda as the Chief Minister of the State and as the Country’s Prime  Minister, he said that eleven qualities of the former PM finds mention in the book.

Adichunchanagiri Mutt Seer Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji graced the occasion.