Mysuru: Observing that unity is key for getting rights, MLA K. Harishgowda called upon the Banjara community to always stand united, as only an organised fight will help in getting rights or achieving goals.

He was speaking after inaugurating Santa Sevalal Jayanti celebration organised jointly by the District Administration and Kannada and Culture Department, at Kiru Rangamandira in Kalamandira premises here on Sunday.

Noting that an organised movement is key for economic, social, academic and political progress, Harishgowda reiterated that the Banjara community should stand united for getting benefits.

Pointing out that the community has a large presence in North Karnataka, the MLA said that there are only a few thousand community members in Mysuru region.

“The Congress Government established the Banjara Development Corporation for the overall development of the community. The Government is also making honest efforts for the upliftment of micro and minority communities.  I am also working for the welfare of the Lambani population in my Chamaraja Assembly segment. A community Hall (Samudaya Bhavan) has already been built for Banjara community and several other measures have been taken for providing facilities to the community,” he maintained.

MLC C.N. Manjegowda, in his address, said that Saint Sevalal has made enormous contribution for the society by doing great works. Sevalal is an ideal saint and as such it is important that everyone should know about him. Lauding the community for giving a special place for women, he noted that respecting women is akin to worshipping God.

Kalaburagi Excise Superintendent Sriram Devasoth delivered a special lecture on Saint Sevalal on the occasion.

Vijayanagar district’s Banjara Shakti Peetha Seer Sri Shivaprakash Maharaj Swamiji graced the occasion.

Kannada and Culture Department Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, Assistant Director Dr. M.D. Sudarshan, Banjara Seva Sangha President M. Sundar, Vice-President Teja Nayak, Secretary M. Anil, Banjara Mahila Sangha President Dharanibai Sudarshan, community leader Kaveri Bai and others were present.