Mysuru: The much-talked-about celebration of Kittur Rani Chennamma Jayanti for the first time by District Administrations turned a damp squib at Kalamandira here this morning with empty chairs symbolising the sanctity of such an event.

Added to that District in-Charge Minister and another Minister and scores of invitees listed in the programme list were absent.

Inevitably Mayor M.J.Ravi Kumar inaugurated the programme. MLA Vasu, ZP President Nayeema Sulthana, Assistant Director of Department of Kannada and Culture Channappa, Additional DC T. Yogesh and others  were present.

Malini and troupe presented Sugama Sangeetha. Students of Supreme School, Dattagalli, presented a vociferous oration then voiced by Rani Chennamma against the British.

Speaking on the occasion  Majunala Manasa former Chairperson, Karnataka State Women’s Commission regretted that harassment of women had continued even today.

She hailed Kittur Rani Chennamma as an epitome of valour and courage and asked women to emulate her.