Mysuru: Former MLC Thontadarya is an ideal politician for current generation of political leaders and is among the rare breed of politicians who never aspired for any position, said senior BJP leader and former Legislative Council Chairman D.H. Shankaramurthy.

He was speaking after inaugurating the felicitation programme in honour of Thontadarya organised by the Felicitation Committee at Saptapadi Kalyana Mantapa on Kannada Sahitya Parishat Road, Vijayanagar 1st Stage here this morning.

Lauding the Felicitation Committee for organising the programme in recognition of the ex-MLC’s decades of service to society, Shankaramurthy recalled Thontadarya’s fight against Emergency as a social activist in his younger days.

Observing that Thontadarya was one amongst the outstanding politicians who took up the cause of society, he said that leaders like Thontadarya are an inspiration for the younger generation.

Senior RSS leader S. Ramanna delivered the felicitation address.

Thontadarya and his wife Dr. Kamalakumari were  felicitated by the dignitaries.

Kundur Mutt Seer Sri Sharathchandra Swamiji released America-settled Kannada writer Guru S. Bale’s translated works titled Shaktivishishtadwaita and Panchapeethagala Parampare on the occasion.

Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Vijayapura Jnanayogashrama Seer Siddeshwara Swamiji and Hosamutt Seer Chidananda Swamiji graced the event.

Akhila Bharatha Sharana Sahitya Parishat Hon. Advisor G.R. Channabasappa presided.MLA S.A. Ramdas, former MLCs Prof. K.R. Mallikarjunappa and G. Madhusudhan, Felicitation Committee President G.R. Parameshwarappa, Author Guru S. Bale, ORI Director Prof. S. Shivarajappa, Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya and others were present.