JOIN USFormer Union minister B Janardhana Poojary's autobiography 'Saala Melada Sangrama' will be released at Santhoshi Kala Mantapa at Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple premises in Kudroli at 6 pm on January 26.
Addressing media persons at Kudroli temple here on Monday, Poojary said that the title of the book is kept 'Saala Melada Sangrama' (The Battle of Loan Mela), after the famous scheme of loan mela implemented by him during his tenure as the finance minister in the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government at the Centre. oojary said that he is witnessing his 81st autumn and when he looks back, he feels that his life has been a tempestuous journey so far.
He said he has recorded all significant moments and turning points of his life in the book from birth to his present life, without fail.
He said he has been open and truthful. There is no adulteration of information, he said and added that his political career has been a roller-coaster ride and so is his personal life.
His victories, defeats, turmoils in the Congress party, his experiences while working with former prime ministers Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and P V Narasimha Rao have found a place in the autobiography. The challenges he faced during the revolutionary 'Sala Mela' has been explained in the book in detail, he said.
Poojary said his role in the development of Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple, revolutionary steps, such as the appointment of women priests at the temple, have also been mentioned.
Poojary said he has delineated upon what it takes to lead an honest path in a political career.
The book release will be done after presenting the book to the presiding diety of Kudroli, Lord Sri Gokarnanatheswara. 'Theertha', the sacred water, will be sprinkled on the book.
Later, Poojary will carry the book on his head and will reach Santhoshi Kala Mantapa, after circumnavigating the temple. The book will then be released by Poojary himself on the stage.
The book contains 210 pages and is divided into nine chapters. More pages will be added to the next edition of the book. There are a lot of pictures to support the content of the autobiography. A nominal rate will be fixed for the book.
The translation work to English and Hindi are on and efforts are being made to release the English and Hindi versions on the same day.
Poojary said that he has narrated his story to author Lakshman Kodase, who has given a written form to the autobiography. Santhosh Kumar Poojary and Deepak Poojary have published the book.
Responding to a query, he said that he does not have anything against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in person. But he said he does not like the working style of the chief minister and he has opposed it several times.
Reacting to a question on the abrupt transfers of IPS officers, Poojary said it is not a healthy development. If the chief minister or the district in-charge minister is behind these transfers, it is condemnable. The district in-charge minister is not a God. He will suffer the consequences in the upcoming elections, Poojary added.
Former MLA Vijay Kumar Shetty, Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwara Temple Management Committee President H Sairam, Secretary Madhava Suvarna, Treasurer Padmaraj R, corporator Radhakrishna, Purushottam Chitrapur, Trustees B K Narayana, Dr Anasuya Salian and Harikrishna Bantwal were present.