Mysuru: “A statue of Rani Abbakka who fought for four decades against Portuguese should be installed at Mangaluru or Ullal,” suggested former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda citizens of coastal region.

He was speaking after inaugurating a two-day Rani Abbakka Cultural Festival organised jointly by Rani Abbakka Utsava Samithi, Dakshina Kannada District Association and organisations of coastal region, which commenced yesterday at Maharaja’s College Grounds here.

Deve Gowda regretted that such a brave Rani Abbakka has been forgotten and added that it was time to immortalise the great lady with a life-size statue. He pointed out that valiant person like Kittur Rani Chennamma, Sangolli Rayanna and Onake Obavva had gone down the history carving a niche for themselves. He contended that coastal region was truly secular and added that celebrating a festival of that region in Mysuru was a speciality.

Heaps praises: Deve Gowda heaped praises on FKCCI Senior Vice-President and Rani Abbakka Samskrutika Utsava Samithi Mysuru President Sudhakar S. Shetty thus covering a major portion of his speech.

Deve Gowda said that Sudhakar Shetty hailed from a simple farmer’s family and grew in stages to phenomenal height covering hotel industry, education and social service, all in a short span of time. He commended Sudhakar Shetty in coming up on his own.

Deve Gowda felt sorry for arriving three hours late for the function as he had to attend another programme in Kengeri and added that he had informed about the day on phone to Sudhakar Shetty.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Vidyaprasannatheertha Swamiji of Kukke Subramanya opined that the history of Rani Abbakka should be made known to the younger generation.

He expressed satisfaction in presenting the Rani Abbakka Award to journalist Vijayalakshmi Shibarur.

Role model for women: Presiding over a seminar on ‘Karnatakada Veeranaariyaru,’ social analyst Dr. Gayatri Navada opined that valiant women like Rani Abbakka should become role models for women now.

Adding further, B.M. Rohini said that over ten queens in coastal region had fought against foreign forces who should be remembered through close scrutiny of Portuguese history.

Dr. Kripa Phadke and troupe of ‘Nrityagiri’ presented a dance-drama on brave women of the country. That was followed by a play on Rani Abbakka and Byari cultural show.

Ministers U.T. Khader, Dr. Geetha Mahadevaprasad, MLC K.T. Sreekantegowda, former UoM VC Prof. K.S. Rangappa, Dakshina Kannada District Association President V. Sreenivasa Rao, Mysuru Hotel Owners Association President C. Narayanagowda and others were present.