JOIN USVeerappa Channappa (1901-1952), popularly known as Danashoora Basarigidada Channappa , was known for his social welfare activities in North Karnataka. A wealthy businessman, Veerappa started a transport service called as ‘Basarigida Motor Service’ in the pre-independence era and provided free transport facility to pregnant women, elderly people and soldiers.
He supported people in various ways in the times of drought. One of his lasting contributions to the society and environment was the planting of trees on the sides of many roads in North Karnataka. He was instrumental in planting tamarind and basari gida saplings on both sides of the roads and took necessary measures to protect and nurture them.
With proper care, the plants would soon grow into giant trees, providing shade to travellers. There is one such patch in Sankanur Cross, Yalburga town in Koppal district. The words carved on a nearby well indicates that it was constructed to provide water to people and roadside plants. Unfortunately, most of the trees nurtured by him have been destroyed due to the vagaries of nature, greed of humans and developmental activities.
Veerappa also rendered support to people who participated in the movement for the unification of Karnataka. He contributed significantly to the establishment of Veereshwara Punyashrama in Gadag. Veerappa’s samadhi can be seen in the premises of the Punyashrama.