Mysuru: Chamaraja MLA K Harishgowda on Saturday hailed the contributions of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, highlighting his role in building lakes, temples and ponds, and in developing streets, markets and townships. He credited Kempegowda for shaping Bengaluru into a well-planned city.Describing Kempegowda as a visionary, Harishgowda said he strived for the empowerment of people across all sections of society.Speaking after inaugurating the 517th Kempegowda Jayanthi celebrations, organised jointly by the district administration, zilla panchayat, Mysuru City Corporation, department of Kannada and culture, and the Kempegowda Jayanthi Utsav Committee at Kalamandir, the MLA said Nadaprabhu, inspired by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna, worked towards building a discrimination-free and egalitarian society, while upholding the dignity of women and promoting social harmony.Adichunchanagiri Mysuru branch mutt seer Someshwaranath Swami also highlighted Kempegowda’s contributions to the development of Bengaluru in all four directions.Kuvempunagar Govt Pre-University College history lecturer H Vasu Boregowda said Kempegowda is remembered for rejuvenating lakes and ponds in Bengaluru, helping ease the drinking water crisis. He also noted that Kempegowda raised his voice against superstitions and blind beliefs in society.Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation chairman Ramappa, MLCs D Thimmaiah and Raghu Kautilya, deputy commissioner Lakshmikantha Reddy, and joint director of Kannada and culture VM Mallikarjuna Swamy were present.
