CHITRADURGA: The first phase of work on the memorial of Siddavanahalli Nijalingappa, the first chief minister of the reorganised Mysore state, near Seebar village near here is moving on a snail's pace.
The decision to construct a memorial for Nijalingappa, who hailed from Chitradurga, was taken in 2001. However, the dearth of funds had delayed the work.
The memorial is being built on four acres under the guidance of Nijalingappa's son Kiran Shankar, who is also an architect. Over Rs 3 crore had been spent on the memorial so far, whereas the total estimated cost of the project was Rs 50 lakh. If things go as planned Buddhist leader Dalai Lama will inaugurate the memorial in 2011.
Speaking to Express, Hanumantappa, one of the members of Siddavanahalli Nijalingappa National Foundation, said "we don't want the memorial to be merely a tourist centre, as that is not the right way of paying tribute to Nijalingappa, who will always remain a role model to people's representatives, irrespective of there parties,".
The memorial will also be a training centre for people's representatives, government officials and public, so that the corruption level can be reduced in the society, he added.
"I hope that the current politicians inculcate at least some ideals of late Nijalingappa, who was known for his simplicity and honesty," Hanumantappa said and added that this was Nijalingappa's last wish too.
The training centres and meeting halls will be constructed in the second phase, he added.