Maddur:  State Government must confer Karnataka Rathna award posthumously to late former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna in recognition of his services to State, said Vishwa Vokkaligara Mutt Seer Dr. Nischalanandanatha Swamiji, here on Thursday.

He was speaking after inaugurating 94th birth anniversary celebrations of S.M. Krishna and S.M. Krishna Adalitha Sri Seva Rathna Award and releasing the book ‘Maddur Talukina Janaprathinidhigalu Haagu Shikshana Ondu Munnota’ jointly organised by Chunchasri Gelayara Balaga, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Vokkaligara Sangha, Nagarika Vedike and Town Club at Government College for Women premises.

“Former CM S.M. Krishna’s achievements are known at the national and international level. The elected representatives of Maddur must exert pressure on Chief Minister and State Government to confer ‘Karnataka Rathna’ award on late S.M. Krishna during the month of November,” said Swamiji.

Earlier, floral tributes were offered to the portrait of S.M. Krishna. Following this, Maddur MLA K.M. Uday was presented with S.M. Krishna Adalitha Sri Seva Rathna Award by MLC Dinesh Gooligowda                                        and other dignitaries.

Receiving the award, MLA Uday said, “If S.M. Krishna, had the opportunity to become the Prime Minister, he would have enhanced the respect of the country and planned for a better future ensuring India became a developed country.”

“S.M. Krishna despite facing several challenges during his tenure such as Cauvery water dispute, kidnapping of thespian actor Dr. Rajkumar by forest brigand Veerappan, drought among others during his tenure as Chief Minister handled the situation without fear,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, MLC Dinesh Gooligowda remembered the contributions of S.M. Krishna, especially in introducing various development programmes and making Bengaluru a Silicon City.

The book ‘Maddur Talukina Janaprathinidhigalu Haagu Shikshana Ondu Munnota’ authored by Dr. B. Jayaprakash Gowda was released on the occasion.

ManMUL former President Kadalur Ramakrishna, ZP former President Suresh Kanti, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Vokkaligara Sangha President V.T. Ravikumar and writer Tailuru Venkatakrishna were present.