The event held to celebrate Kempegowda’s birth anniversary on Tuesday witnessed several announcements, including naming a city university after the Bengaluru's founder and installing his "huge statue" in front of the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the state government was in talks with the Centre over installing the statue near KIA. "People from other states and countries would not know Bengaluru's founder. So, we will provide a brief introduction as well," he said.
The chief minister said after trifurcation of Bangalore University, one of the three universities will be named after Kempegowda.
Siddaramaiah said directions have been issued to district and taluk centres to celebrate Kempegowda birth anniversary. “Since this is the first celebration, we have permitted them to hold events till the end of July. From next year, all the events will be held on June 27,” he said.
Former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda said the state government should take immediate steps to save the lakes and tanks in Bengaluru built by Kempegowda.
Festive fervour in city
Rallies with traditional dances and songs marked the birth anniversary celebration of Bengaluru founder on Tuesday.
People waited on roads to take selfies with performers dressed as Kempegowda. Malleswaram MLA C N Ashwathnarayan, who spoke at an event at Mehkri Circle, said Kempegowda's life story should be part of textbook.
“He dreamt of building a complete city at his time. His services to people should be part of the curriculum," he said.
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