Rich tributes were paid to former chief minister S Bangarappa who passed away on December 26 by his family members, relatives, admirers, disciples, politicians, cine artistes and others.
At the ‘Shraddhanjali’ programme held at ‘Bangara Tota’ at Samanavalli in Anavatti Hobli of Sorab taluk on Thursday, all of them prayed for peace for the departed soul.
Earlier at 8 in the morning, Bangarappa’s family members performed puja at ‘Bangara Nivasa’ at Kubatur, the birth place of the former chief minister. At around 10 am, his family members and admirers performed puja near the Government PU College at Sorab where his last rites were held.
As Bangarappa was a lover of nature, ‘Shraddhanjali’ programme was organised at his favourite farm itself. ‘Ullavaru Shivalaya Maduvarayya’ song sung by Bangarappa himself was played there.
Local artistes presented Lavani songs and Vachanas which he used to admire.
Stages of life
Three portraits of Bangarappa, which represented three stages of his life, were arranged on the dais, with special decoration and design.
His wife Shakunthala Bangarappa and other members of the family lit the lamp and paid floral tributes to his portrait.
Bangarappa’s son Madhu Bangarappa, daughters Sujatha, Geetha, Anitha, sons-in-law K N Tilak Kumar (‘Deccan Herald’ Editor), Shivarajkumar (cine artist), Pavan Kumar (industrialist), and Anitha Madhu, Bhimanna Naik, and Bangarappa’s grandchildren paid tributes.
Kottur Siddalinga Swamiji, Solur Ediga Marayya Renukanand Swamiji, Brahmanand Swamiji of Sriram Kshetra, Siddabasava Kabir Swamiji, and Purushottamanand Swamiji of Hosdurga Bhageeratha Peetha were also present.
Thousands of people also paid tributes to their departed leader. Former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, MLAs Belur Gopalkrishna, Jamir Ahmed, Malikayya Guttedar, former ministers Basavaraj Patil Yatnal, Cheluvarayaswamy, Rajkumar Fans’ Association president Sa Ra Govindu, and others were present.
Madhu speaks
“I am fortunate to be the son of Mr Bangarappa. He was guiding me, and now, my mother is both a father and mother to me. I will look after her well, and will fulfil all her desires,” an emotional Madhu Bangarappa said.
Cine artist Shivarajkumar sang ‘Pujisalende Hoogala Tande’ song which was also a favourite song of Bangarappa.