Mysore/Mysuru: Regretting the controversy over ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign which has been launched as part of the 75th year of Independence, Rangayana Director Addanda C. Cariappa hit out against intellects and activists who are ridiculing the campaign.

He was speaking after inaugurating the cultural programmes organised as part of the 57th anniversary of All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) at Knowledge Park Seminar Hall in AIISH premises here on Tuesday evening.

Pointing out that the Centre has launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign so as to engage every citizen in the 75th year Independence Day celebrations, Cariappa bemoaned attempts to create unnecessary controversy over the campaign, which is a symbol of patriotism and nationalism.

Recalling the contributions of great warriors such as Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and Gen. K.S. Thimayya, the Rangayana Director said that he too is from a soldier family and as such, he is very much aware of the joys and sorrows of our servicemen.

Stating that it is happy to note that the then Mysore Maharaja, who donated land for setting up of AIISH is being remembered, he recalled how former AIISH Director Dr. N. Ratna was associated with theatre. It is a good development that Dr. Ratna and other faculty and staff who have served for 25 years and those who have retired, are being honoured on the occasion for their dedicated service to the institute. Calling upon the students to study about the life and times of erstwhile Mysore rulers, he said that the KRS Dam, State Bank of Mysore, University of Mysore, Maharani’s College for Women, Kannada Sahitya Parishat and many such other institutions are the contributions of the Maharajas.

Maintaining that many broad roads of the city were built by the Maharajas, the Rangayana Director bemoaned that while the contributions of great rulers and Maharajas find less mention in our text books, the history of those who looted our wealth and destroyed our temples are given  more space.

Musician Vasuki Vaibhav, AIISH Director Dr. M. Pushpavathi, faculty Dr. M. Santosh  and others were present.