Govt to observe April 17 as Kempegowda Jayanti

The state government has decided to observe Kempegowda Jayanti on April 17 every year. The inaugural programme is all set to be held at Banquet Hall, Vidhana Soudha, at 11 am on Monday.

“The government has also decided to set up Kempegowda Authority under the leadership of the chief minister,” Energy Minister D K Shivakumar said on Wednesday.

Shivakumar will be the deputy chairman of the authority which will also have a local MP and an MLA. He, however, did not explain the scope and functions of the new body.

Explaining the rationale behind selecting April 17 as Kempegowda’s birth anniversary, Shivakumar said the government has finalised the date based on historical evidence  though several associations have stated that April 28 was the birthday of the founder of Bengaluru.

“A photo exhibition will be held and a 30-minute documentary will be screened at the inaugural programme on Monday,” he said adding that the government will also bring out a booklet on Kempegowda.

Before the programme, a rally will be taken out from Freedom Park to Vidhana Soudha at 10 am. To a question on the funds required for the programme, the minister said a plan is yet to be prepared in this regard.