<p>Bengaluru, 27th June 2025 – On the occasion of Kempegowda Jayanthi, the birth anniversary of Bengaluru’s visionary founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, rising Vokkaliga leader Chilume Ravikumar led a powerful and deeply engaging city-wide celebration that broke away from conventional stage-bound programs. Spearheaded by the Chilume Ravikumar Foundation, the three-day tribute unfolded as a movement grounded in civic participation, youth engagement, and cultural remembrance—ushering in a new way of commemorating Karnataka’s historical icons.<br><br>While most such anniversaries are marked with speeches and dais-led events, Chilume Ravikumar brought a fresh, impactful approach that connected citizens directly with the spirit of Kempegowda’s legacy. Through symbolic acts, reenactments, public drives, and spiritual gestures, the Foundation delivered a celebration that was not just seen or heard—but felt.<br><br>The celebrations began on the morning of June 24th with Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Samadhi Parisara Shuddhi Abhiyana, a cleanliness drive organized at Kempegowda’s samadhi. Volunteers gathered before sunrise, and after a welcome briefing and a brief session on Kempegowda’s civic vision, the event was flagged off by Ravikumar. Equipped with cleaning kits and unified by purpose, teams cleaned the surroundings with devotion and discipline. The event concluded with a public pledge to uphold cleanliness and civic values in everyday life.<br><br>On June 25th, the Foundation conducted Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Pushpārchane Namana, a floral tribute offered at six major Kempegowda landmarks across Bengaluru—including the airport statue, Lalbagh Tower, Hudson Circle, Vidhan Soudha, KIMS Hospital, and Gavi Gangadeshwara. Each location became a site of unity and gratitude, with flowers, folk music, youth-led interactions, and collective moments of silence. Instead of podium speeches, it was people who spoke—with flowers, music, and memory.<br><br>The grand evening of June 27th marked the spiritual core of the celebration—Nadaprabhuge Deepa Namana, where 516 traditional deepas were lit at the Kempegowda Samadhi to commemorate his 516th birth anniversary. Chilume Ravikumar lit the central Deepa Stambha, joined by Swamijis, dignitaries, youth, and local residents. Surrounded by rangoli, lamp mandalas, and Kannada poetry, the space was transformed into a spiritual celebration of vision and unity. Attendees wrote heartfelt dedications on “This Lamp Is For…” cards and pledged to uphold Kempegowda’s ideals in their own lives.<br><br>Later that evening, Avenue Road—the symbolic birthplace of Bengaluru—was transformed into a living history stage. Through a powerful street reenactment, the public witnessed how Kempegowda surveyed and built the city centuries ago. Sixty-four placard holders represented the original Pete layout, while bullock carts, flag bearers, and a symbolic Bhoomi Pooja performed by Ravikumar recreated the founding moments of the city. The powerful chant “Namma Kempegowda, Namma Hemme” echoed through the street, captured both by the people on the ground and cameras in the sky.<br><br>Through this meaningful, people-driven, and emotionally resonant celebration, Chilume Ravikumar has set a new benchmark for how historical commemorations can be brought to life. Not with elaborate backdrops and stage lights—but with sweat, soil, lamps, flowers, and the voices of the people. His approach has inspired a renewed pride in the legacy of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda and offered a template for civic-led cultural revival.<br><br>Admired for his clarity of purpose, grassroots leadership, and commitment to development, Chilume Ravikumar is fast emerging as a guiding force in Karnataka’s next generation of public leaders. With his vision, Kempegowda Jayanthi is no longer just a ceremonial occasion—it is a civic movement.</p>
<p>Bengaluru, 27th June 2025 – On the occasion of Kempegowda Jayanthi, the birth anniversary of Bengaluru’s visionary founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, rising Vokkaliga leader Chilume Ravikumar led a powerful and deeply engaging city-wide celebration that broke away from conventional stage-bound programs. Spearheaded by the Chilume Ravikumar Foundation, the three-day tribute unfolded as a movement grounded in civic participation, youth engagement, and cultural remembrance—ushering in a new way of commemorating Karnataka’s historical icons.<br><br>While most such anniversaries are marked with speeches and dais-led events, Chilume Ravikumar brought a fresh, impactful approach that connected citizens directly with the spirit of Kempegowda’s legacy. Through symbolic acts, reenactments, public drives, and spiritual gestures, the Foundation delivered a celebration that was not just seen or heard—but felt.<br><br>The celebrations began on the morning of June 24th with Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Samadhi Parisara Shuddhi Abhiyana, a cleanliness drive organized at Kempegowda’s samadhi. Volunteers gathered before sunrise, and after a welcome briefing and a brief session on Kempegowda’s civic vision, the event was flagged off by Ravikumar. Equipped with cleaning kits and unified by purpose, teams cleaned the surroundings with devotion and discipline. The event concluded with a public pledge to uphold cleanliness and civic values in everyday life.<br><br>On June 25th, the Foundation conducted Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Pushpārchane Namana, a floral tribute offered at six major Kempegowda landmarks across Bengaluru—including the airport statue, Lalbagh Tower, Hudson Circle, Vidhan Soudha, KIMS Hospital, and Gavi Gangadeshwara. Each location became a site of unity and gratitude, with flowers, folk music, youth-led interactions, and collective moments of silence. Instead of podium speeches, it was people who spoke—with flowers, music, and memory.<br><br>The grand evening of June 27th marked the spiritual core of the celebration—Nadaprabhuge Deepa Namana, where 516 traditional deepas were lit at the Kempegowda Samadhi to commemorate his 516th birth anniversary. Chilume Ravikumar lit the central Deepa Stambha, joined by Swamijis, dignitaries, youth, and local residents. Surrounded by rangoli, lamp mandalas, and Kannada poetry, the space was transformed into a spiritual celebration of vision and unity. Attendees wrote heartfelt dedications on “This Lamp Is For…” cards and pledged to uphold Kempegowda’s ideals in their own lives.<br><br>Later that evening, Avenue Road—the symbolic birthplace of Bengaluru—was transformed into a living history stage. Through a powerful street reenactment, the public witnessed how Kempegowda surveyed and built the city centuries ago. Sixty-four placard holders represented the original Pete layout, while bullock carts, flag bearers, and a symbolic Bhoomi Pooja performed by Ravikumar recreated the founding moments of the city. The powerful chant “Namma Kempegowda, Namma Hemme” echoed through the street, captured both by the people on the ground and cameras in the sky.<br><br>Through this meaningful, people-driven, and emotionally resonant celebration, Chilume Ravikumar has set a new benchmark for how historical commemorations can be brought to life. Not with elaborate backdrops and stage lights—but with sweat, soil, lamps, flowers, and the voices of the people. His approach has inspired a renewed pride in the legacy of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda and offered a template for civic-led cultural revival.<br><br>Admired for his clarity of purpose, grassroots leadership, and commitment to development, Chilume Ravikumar is fast emerging as a guiding force in Karnataka’s next generation of public leaders. With his vision, Kempegowda Jayanthi is no longer just a ceremonial occasion—it is a civic movement.</p>