Mysore/Mysuru: Nammuru Nammoru Samaja Seva Trust, Mysuru, observed Martyred Freedom Fighter Subedar Guddemane Appaiah Gowda Memorial Day at an event held at Jaladarshini Guest House recently.

Veteran writer Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar (CPK) inaugurated the programme by showering petals on the portrait of Appaiah Gowda.

Speaking on the occasion,  CPK said that the year 1857 is a very significant year in the history of freedom struggle. Pointing out that the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny was the first major battle in the fight for the country’s independence from the Britishers, he said that we have read about great freedom warriors such as Mangal Pandey and Tatya Tope who laid down their lives. 

Noting that the first independence revolution took place in 1837, 20 years before the sepoy mutiny of 1857, the veteran writer said that many great freedom fighters such as Tipu Sultan, Rani Chennamma, Sangolli Rayanna, Parampara of Kodagu, Kalyanaswamy, Guddemane Appaiah Gowda, Kedambadi Ramegowda and Kudiya brothers had laid down their lives much earlier fighting the Britishers.

Recalling that the people of Kodagu revolted when the Britishers divided the then Coorg State into Kasaragod, Puttur and Sullia and brought them under Madras Province, he said that warriors from Kodagu such as Nanjaiah, Kedambadi Ramegowda and Guddemane Appaiah Gowda are an inspiration for generations to come.

Noting that Appaiah Gowda led the ‘Katukai battle’ (Amara Sullia Dange) against the British in 1837, Dr. CPK said that he was one of the greatest heroes Kodagu has produced. Stating that Appaiah Gowda was a symbol of patriotism, self-respect and pride of Kodagu, he said that Appaiah Gowda, who was hanged by the British in front of Madikeri Fort in 1837 for leading protests against colonial power, did not want outsiders to have a say in the affairs of Kodagu. 

He urged the Government to set up an Authority for sensitising the public on the sacrifices made by Appaiah Gowda and all other great freedom fighters of the times and on the significance of Amara Sullia Dange (Sullia rebellion).

Trust President Satish Gowda, Vice-President Kumar Gowda, Gen. Secretary A. Ravi, Dist. Vokkaliga Assn. Vice-President Gururaj, Director Ravi, Dentist Lokesh and others were present.