Mysore/Mysuru: On the occasion of former CM Siddharamaiah‘s birthday, Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagrutha Vedike had organised a seminar titled ‘Janakalyanada Nayaka Sri Siddharamaiah – Ondu Chinthane’ and ‘Bhagyavidhata Sri Siddharamaiah State Award’ presentation programme at Vijnana Bhavan, Manasagangothri campus in city this morning.

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, litterateur Banjagere Jayaprakash appreciated the organisers for instituting an award in the name of Siddharamaiah, who has strived for the upliftment of the poor by introducing many schemes during his tenure as CM.

Pointing out that many had criticised Siddharamaiah when he introduced ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme, saying that the former CM was making the labour class lazy, Jayaprakash said that those who had criticised him then have come to know the value of food now. He added that Siddharamaiah had introduced ‘Anna Bhagya’ as his vision was to see that none go to sleep hungry or with empty stomach.

Bhagyavidhata Sri Siddharamaiah State Award was presented to international artist from Belagavi Dr. Baburao Nadoni, State President of Bharathiya Dalita Sahitya Academy, Karnataka Unit, New Delhi, Dr. C. Venkatesh, Shivamogga Akhila Bharata Christha Mahasabha’s State Woman Vice-President Reena Patrick, Head of Sujeev organisation, Bengaluru, S. Rajaram and woman tribal activist of Nagapura Tribal Hamlet in Hunsur Veena Prabhu.

The awards were presented by University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar. Chairman of Dasti Educational Institutions Dr. D. Thimmaiah presided.

Litterateur and Folk scholar Prof. H.C. Ramachandregowda,  Prof. K.S. Bhagwan, former ZP President K. Marigowda, social worker Dr. K. Raghuram Vajpayee, Karnataka Pradesh Kurubara Sangha State President B. Subramanya, former Corporator M. Pradeep Kumar, Director of The City Co-operative Bank M. Puttaswamy,  Vedike State President K.S. Shivaram and others were present.