Mysuru: Celebrating the birthday of a person who has turned 100 is very special and unique. To be a part of this once-in-a-life time event is very rare and privileged. The Rotary Club of Mysore West created this momentous occasion, by celebrating the hundredth birthday of one of its own members Rtn. PDG Col. Biddanda Mandappa Chengappa, here yesterday at Hotel Quorum.

The function began with the cutting of coffee-coloured-cake representing Coorg culture by the centenarian in the presence of former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde.

Past District Governor Dr. H.S. Shivanna had composed a special birthday song for the occasion, “Happy Birthday Dear Col. Chengappa, you truly are our club’s Doddappa,” that was sung by the club members. Introducing the Colonel, he said that 100 is a coveted landmark in cricket, snooker and billiards.

In cricket as one approaches the magical figure, the batsman can reach it by scoring a single, a boundary or even a six. But in life, to touch the milestone, one has to live and breathe every single day, as he does not have the luxury of hitting a boundary or six, said Dr. Shivanna.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Hegde said that the best tenure of his life was when he was the Karnataka Lokayukta where he learnt a lot more than as a Supreme Court Judge or the Solicitor General of India.

A crusader against corruption, Hegde lamented that man has lost human values completely and the word ‘humanism’ is not there in the lexicon anymore. Taking a dig at the judiciary itself, he said, “It is high time the judiciary corrected itself.”

“How is it the rich get bail so fast when the poor languish for years in jail without bail. For instance, Salman Khan got bail within a few hours and walked out,” said Hegde.

“As the Lokayukta I have seen many who have displayed inhuman qualities and sadly even doctors are included in this list. The corruption levels have gone up because of man’s greed and since he does not know what contentment is,” he said.

Hegde wondered how Parliamentarians and Legislators can enjoy two salaries — one the salary fixed, the other the sitting fees and life-long pension. “I am a judge and I get only one salary. In spite of all the facilities the politicians get, the Parliament functioned only for 14 days last year with both the Opposition and the Ruling Party shouting one another out,” he said.

Giving an example of how he travelled by bus to Belgaum to address the schoolchildren, as the flight was cancelled, he revealed how his wife was upset with him, “You think you are still young to exert yourself like this? Do you think they will even care or heed to what you say?” His reply showed the care and concern he has for the country and its people, “I know that I am not young and may be what I say may not make a difference. But at least the future generation should know that I have tried my best and not failed them.”

His anguish was very evident when he questioned, “Where are we?” “What sort of people are we?” Hegde spoke thus as the present generation with mobile phones in their hands are more interested in recording even ghastly accidents instead of trying to go to the rescue of the victims.

“Harish Nanjappa, a braveheart, whose body was split into two pieces was still alive. He kept begging for a glass of water. Instead, people were busy shooting on the mobiles. Even at that moment, he showed his presence of mind and asked his eyes to be donated. That is true human values that all of us should imbibe,” said Hegde.

Col. Chengappa, thanking the Rotarians for their love and felicitation said, “I am very happy that Justice Hegde came to wish me. I also wish that the causes he has been fighting for against corruption, some, at least, will see the light of the day.”

The family members of the centenarian were present. Rotary Club of Mysore West President Rtn. C.R. Hanumanth, Secretary Rtn. B.S. Srinath, Governor-elect Rtn. Joseph Mathew and others were present on the occasion.