Jnanpith awardee Chandrashekar Kambar said that Kittur Rani Chennamma is the first one to light the lamp of freedom, but many people do not know about it.
He was speaking at a programme organised by Karnataka Vichara Vedike on Ravindra Kalakshetra premises on Wednesday to mark ‘Vijayotsava’ of Kittur Rani Chennamma’s victory over the British in 1824.
Recalling how Rani Chennamma took on the mighty British forces with very little military and resources, Kambar said, “At the time of death too, she wished to be born again here to free the country from the clutches of British.”
“The entire history of Kittur Rani Chennamma has to be explored. Chennamma’s patriotism and self-confidence is worth emulating. She is a source of inspiration to all,” he added.
Echoing Kambar’s view, K R Ramakrishna, Commissioner, Department of Kannada and Culture, said, “Kittur did not have a big history, but has a prominent place as far as freedom struggle is concerned. If Chennamma would not have been there, another freedom fighter Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai would not have been there. Rani Chennamma University should carry out more research on Kittur.”
Poor Turn Out
Senior Advocate and Women’s Rights Activist Pramila Nesargi demanded women having calibre of Chennamma should come to power.
Though important politicians like Deputy Chief Minister R Ashok, Minister for Kannada and Culture Govind M Karjol, MP Ananth Kumar were invited to the programme, no one turned out, expect the organisers. The programme had a poor turn out too.
Commissioner of Department of Kannada and Culture K R Ramakrishna told Express that he was working work within his limits and was not aware that there would be a poor turn out for the programme.