The birth anniversary of Kittur Rani Chennamma and the 202nd Victory Celebration were commemorated with great grandeur today at Prerana Sthal in the Parliament premises, New Delhi, under the leadership of Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti and Member of Parliament from Tumakuru, Shri V. Somanna.
The programme was graced by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil, MP Shri P.C. Mohan, Dr. Sudhakar, former ministers Shri Murugesh Nirani, Shri Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, former Special Representative of Karnataka in New Delhi Shri Shankargouda Patil, Pujya Shri Basava Mrutyunjaya Swamiji of Kudalasangama, Shri Shankarananda Swamiji, Shri Siddharoodha Matha, Aluru, Bidar, Shri Atmaram Swamiji, Shri Gurudeva Ashrama, Kakkamari, Shri Vinayak Swamiji, Shri Siddharoodha Matha, Chalakapura, and a large number of Kannadigas from different districts of Karnataka and from Delhi who paid floral tributes to Rani Chennamma.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister V. Somanna extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of the country on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the nation's unparalleled woman warrior, the brave queen of Kittur, Rani Chennamma and her 202nd victory celebration against the British.
He expressed gratitude on behalf of all Kannadigas to Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla and Union Minister Shri C.R. Patil for gracing the occasion and adding grandeur to the programme.
"Kittur Rani Chennamma was not just a queen who fought a war; she challenged an imperial power and remains in history as an immortal symbol of resistance. It is a matter of great joy that we have got an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of such a brave woman," the Minister said.
"The valour, courage and fire of Veera Vanithe Rani Chennamma at this sacred place of the Indian Parliament is an inspiration to the bravehearts who protect the country today. It is a matter of pride for all of us who have love for our land and language. Let us all gather here every year and remember such great personalities," he appealed.
He thanked Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on behalf of the people of the state for permitting this programme every year and being an inspirational force for all.
He also thanked Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, officials of Lok Sabha and Ministry of Railways, and Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw for granting permission and cooperation.
Pujya Shri Basava Mrutyunjaya Swamiji, who spoke on the occasion, expressed great happiness about the initiative of Union Minister V. Somanna in organizing such a programme every year at Prerana Sthal in Parliament.
Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Vanshita Jaiswal