Mysuru: K S Rangappa who served as Vice Chancellor for eight consecutive years-first four at Karnataka State Open University and later part at University of Mysore was felicitated by the Vice Chancellor Prof K S Rangappa Felicitation Committee at Crawford Hall here on Tuesday.

Hundreds of his followers, colleagues and also community members attended the farewell function which was organised at Crawford Hall. This is first time in the history of University of Mysore that such a gathering turned out for a farewell event. During his eight years tenure, he came out with a lot of infrastructural developments. Lot of buildings came up during his tenure but at the same there were some allegations against him as well. Hundreds of his followers greeted him with shawls and other gift items.

Former Prime Minister H D Devegowda who spoke on the occasion said, “I can’t speak much about him because on one side he happens to be my relative and on the other side he has come out with lot of developmental activities at both the universities. Though he has implemented various developmental activities and given new shape to both the universities during his tenure as Vice Chancellor, still there are people who are unhappy with his contributions. It all depends upon how people see it. When he demitted office as Vice Chancellor of KSOU, the deposit at the university was Rs 650 Crore. Rangappa, who is a son of farmer born in a remote village, has struggled a lot to reach where he is today. I request him to continue his research for the welfare of the people. If I became Prime Minister, it’s because of the immense support from my wife Chennamma. Similarly, if today Rangappa managed to achieve in this field, his wife Poornima’s contribution has been significant.”

On the occasion, Devegowda also briefed about his visit to Kashmir when he was the prime minister. “As prime minister, when I told my staff that I wanted to visit Kashmir, they tried to prevent me citing security reasons. But later, for the second time I insisted that I should visit Kashmir, they opposed initially but later accepted. When I told that I wanted to travel in an open jeep in Kashmir, the security personnel told me to wear a bullet proof jacket but I refused. During my visit to Kashmir, I also spoke to Hurriyat leaders including Syed Ali Shah Geelani which I hadn’t disclosed anywhere till now,” added Gowda. On the occasion Devegowda and C M Ibrahim shared the same dais. “While speaking on the dais, my friend Ibrahim told me that we can’t change the society. I requested him not to lose hope and have confidence in the people.”

How can we give water?

“When we don’t have water and are facing severe drought across the state how can we let it flow to Tamilnadu. Supreme Court has told us to release 2000 cusecs of water. It’s really unfortunate”. Demonetisation has created a lot of hardship for common man. People will reply to Prime Minister Modi for all this in days to come”, Gowda opined.

Suttur Seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri Matt, S N Hegde, former UoM Vice Chancellor and Hamsaleka were also present.

Hamsaleka’s respect towards nada geethe:

Surprisingly when nada geethe was sung, Hamsaleka was found with his hands inside his pant pockets!