Mysore/Mysuru: Urging for encouraging talent and recognising expertise in all fields, former University of Mysore and KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Rangappa observed that this seems to be the only way for taking the country forward in all respects. He was speaking at Kuvempu birth anniversary celebration organised by Akhila Karnataka Vokkaligara Mahasabha at Rani Bahaur auditorium in Manasagangothri campus on Hunsur Road here on Sunday.

Citing the example of China, which welcomed talented personalities from different parts of the world and grew in such a manner that it overtook America in various fronts in just a matter of three decades, Prof. Rangappa said he made it a practice to meet talented Indians whenever he happened to visit a foreign country.

Noting that there is a lot of talent in rural people too and the only thing needed is to unearth it at the right time, Prof. Rangappa regretted that rural talent is going waste due to lack of guidance and opportunities. Stressing on the need for tapping rural talent, he lauded Vokkaligara Mahasabha for visiting villages in earch of talent.

Maintaining that India lagged behind in terms of education, science and technology, he said that the country should  develop in accordance with the pace of growth in advanced countries, for which tapping talent is crucial.

Historian Dr. Talakadu Chikkarangegowda of Bengaluru, Ankegowda of Pandavapura’s ‘Pustaka Mane’ fame and Bengaluru’s V.V. Puram College Principal Dr. Boodanur Puttaswamy were feted.

Also, MLC-elect C.N. Manjegowda, Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Maddikere Gopal, Mysuru-Chamarajanagar Vokkaligara Sangha President C. Mariswamy, Vokkaligara Voice Editor S. Nagabhushan and Mysuru-Chamarajanagar Women’s Co-operative Society President Susheela Nanjappa were honoured and more than a hundred meritorious students of the community who scored high marks in SSLC and PUC (2020-21) were presented with Pratibha Puraskar on the occasion. Lion K. Devegowda released the New Year calendar brought out by the Mahasabha.

Veteran writer and Vokkaligara Mahasabha Hon. President Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar presided. Congress leader K. Harish Gowda, MMC&RI Psychiatry Department Head and Mahasabha  Hon. Advisor Dr. B.N. Raveesh, Mahasabha President N. Bettegowda, Working President T. Somu, Vice-President H. Hanumaiah, Gen. Secretary Dr. E.C. Ningaraj Gowda, Legal Advisor M.N. Chandrashekar, office-bearers Lakshmidevi, Anjalidevi, Yogesh & K. Ravi were present.