Mysore/Mysuru: Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bagadi Gautham said that the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister late D. Devaraj Urs will be celebrated in a meaningful manner from Aug. 20 to 22 in the district.

He was speaking at the preparatory meeting at his office here recently. Pointing out that Devaraj Urs’ birth anniversary was celebrated in a lowkey manner for the past two years due to COVID pandemic, he said that, however, this year it will be celebrated in a grand manner.

District Backward Classes Welfare Officer H.S. Bindya said that the stage programme will take place at Kalamandira on Aug. 20 at 10.30 am, during which district-level awards will be presented and an expo of handicrafts and other domestic products made by local craftspersons will be held.

District Minister S.T. Somashekar, Mayor Sunanda Palanetra, MP Pratap Simha, MLAs, MLCs and Chairmen of Boards and Corporations will take part in the programme.

On Aug. 21, an essay contest will be held for school and college students and prizes will be distributed to the winners of yoga and other sporting competitions.

On Aug. 22, an awareness programme for school students on the importance of forest and planting of saplings will be held. The programme will also feature a painting expo, Bindya added.

Additional DC Dr. B.S. Manjunathaswamy, Assistant Commissioner Kamalabai and representatives of a host of associations and organisations attended the meeting.