Rich tributes were paid to Sakkare Kardeppa, philanthropist, for his selfless service and concern towards society at his two-day bi-centenary birth anniversary celebrations that began here on Wednesday.
The former minister, Basavaraj Bommai, MLA, who inaugurated the celebrations, organised by the Veerashaiva Vidyavardhak Sangha and Veerashaiva Taruna Sangha, described Mr. Kardeppa as a rare personality and was a role model for the people at present. “Throughout his life, Mr. Kardeppa not only lived a simple life but did yeomen service to humanity which is worth emulating. It is unimaginable that a single person managed to serve food to over 6,000 people during the worst drought that hit Ballari and surrounding areas way back in 1866, that too for eight to ten months, which has made him and his services unforgettable,” Mr. Bommai said.
Suttur Deshikendra Swamiji from Mysuru was all praise for Mr. Kardeppa for his selfless service to society. He bemoaned that at present social service has only remained as a slogan.
The former MLC, N. Tippanna, who is also the president of the All India Veerashaiva Maha Sabha, released a book on Sakkari Kardeppa. The former minister, C.M. Udasi, unveiled a statue of Mr. Kardeppa, installed at the hostel run in his memory.
Sangana Basava Swami of Kottur Mutt, Abhinava Gavimath Sawami of Koppal, Kalayan Swami of Kalyanmutt, B. Sriramulu, MP, Allum Veerbhadrappa and Amarnath Patil, both MLCs, Allum Basavaraj and Uded Basavaraj, president and secretary respectively of the Veerashaiva Vidyavardhak Sangha, were among others present.
Palled Prabhulinga, president of Taruna Sangha, welcomed the gathering.
Earlier, a procession was taken out in the city to mark the occasion.
