Mysore/Mysuru: Senior writer Prof. Kalegowda Nagavara has urged the State Government to install a statue of former Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs in Mysuru.

He was speaking at D. Devaraj Urs award conferment  programme organised under the joint aegis of Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagruta Vedike and Kannada Sahitya Kalakoota at Pathrakartara Bhavan here yesterday.

Pointing out that Devaraj Urs was a champion of the cause of backward classes, Nagavara said that the former Chief Minister always stood for Social Justice. Stating that it is regretful to note that Mysuru, the home district of Devaraj Urs, does not have his statue, he said that the Govt. must come forward for installing the statue of the late former Chief Minister as a honour to him.

M.N. Sooraj Hegde, the grandson of D. Devaraj Urs, who was a chief guest, said that the political career of his late grandfather can be classified under two categories — One about his close association and political journey with late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the other, after he parted ways with Indira Gandhi and the Congress, following differences.

Recalling Devaraj Urs’ contribution for the development of the State, he said that the late leader is an inspiration for the younger generation.

Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Vichara Vedike President B.S. Shivanna, Bharat Dalit Sahitya Academy Karnataka Unit President C. Venkatesh, Senior Journalist B.S. Harish and writer Ksheerasagar were conferred D. Devaraj Urs Award on the occasion. 

Former Health and Family Welfare Department Director Dr. D. Thimmaiah, Mysuru District Journalists Association President C.K. Mahendra, former District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Maddikere Gopal, Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagruta Vedike President K.S. Shivaramu and Kannada Sahitya Kalakoota President M. Chandrashekar were present.