Speaking at the birth centenary celebrations of S R Kanti here on Monday, he said that a garland auctioned in 1962 at Ilkal in Bijapur taluk fetched Rs 80,000. At another place, the garland fetched seven and a half tolas of gold.

“This was an indication of the people’s affection for the man,” the minister said.

Chief Minister Yeddyurappa said that the Bangalore University and medical colleges at Bellary and Raichur were established by the former chief minister. He had also set up the Kittur Rani Chennamma Sainik Schools. Minister Jagadish Shettar released a biography on this occasion.