Karnataka   

Dream that’s yet to be realised

The Veera Soudha in Chitradurga

About a decade ago, the former Chief Minister S. Nijalingappa proposed the construction of Veera Soudha in Chitradurga.

It was meant to be a memorial for the freedom fighters of the district for their sacrifice during the freedom movement.

It was proposed to construct a building, comprising a library with books on freedom fighters, a kalyana mantapa to be let out for functions at a nominal charge, and a park. There was also a plan to install a statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the premises.

“But, owing to lack of interest by the successive governments that did not allocate sufficient funds, Nijalingappa’s dream is yet to be realised,” laments, president of the district freedom fighters’ association D.S. Chidanandappa. The 87-year-old Mr. Chidanandappa said Nijalingappa, through the memorial, wanted the youth and the future generation to realise the contribution of freedom fighters in freeing India from the British rule. The government agreed to give administrative approval for Rs. 53 lakh for construction of the building because of the efforts of Nijalingappa.

Mr. Chidanandappa said it took seven years only to finalise the site. Finally, following the efforts of the former Chief Justice of Mysore High Court Nittoor Srinivas Rao about an acre of land near the district stadium was acquired.

Mr. Chidanandappa along with a few freedom fighters continued the struggle for government funds to complete the building.

“During his visit here, we made an appeal to the then former Chief Minster H.D. Kumaraswamy, who promised to release Rs. 40 lakh, but nothing happened,” he said.

Mr. Chidanandappa urged the government to facilitate the completion of work by releasing funds.

Firoz Rozindar in Chitradurga

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Bridging the gap between patients and pharmacists
Make use of Centre’s resources, States told
‘Congress will not form alternative government’
Na. D’Souza recalls Jnanpith award winners’ contribution
Celebration for prosperity
Satyagraha centenary
Amalgamation within this fiscal: SBI chief
Elimination of stray dogs criticised
Search
Kumaraswamy holds talks with party leaders
‘Curb the growth of fascist tendencies’
Inquiry into illicit liquor case
Boy killed
Seminar
Dream that’s yet to be realised
New train service brings happiness, disappointment
Nature lovers are glum
Streetlights required
Educational opportunities

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu