Mysuru: Veteran writer, journalist and former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Patil Puttappa (Papu) was felicitated at a programme organised by Mysuru Zilla Kannada Chaluvaligarara Sangha marking ‘Karnataka Ekikarana-60,’ at the Institution of Engineers-India (IEI) on JLB Road here this morning.

Delivering the felicitation address, former VC of University of Mysore Prof. K.S. Rangappa said that Dr. Papu was one of the torch-bearers of the agitations to save Kannada land, language and literature. Underlining the role of Papu as a journalist and Kannada activist in the unification of Karnataka, Prof. Rangappa said that the veteran writer, as a Rajya Sabha Member earlier, had raised many issues concerning the State in an effective manner. Terming Papu as a visionary activist, he said that the people of Karnataka can never forget his contribution for the unification of the State.

Earlier, senior journalist Rajashekar Koti, speaking as the chief guest, said that although Papu was 98 years old, his concerns for Kannada has remained undiminished. Stating that all members of the Belagavi City Corporations, including Marathis, stood up for the Nadageetha sung at the Corporation’s Council Meeting yesterday, Koti said that Papu was the driving force behind this.

Pointing out that Papu struggled a lot for saving Kannada in Belagavi and surrounding areas which had become a Marathi fiefdom, he said that Papu had enough spirit to fight for the cause of Kannada in spite of  being a nonagenarian.