BENGALURU, 21 JAN

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday inaugurated “Smriti Vana'', a park built in honour of late Centurion Dr Sri Shivakumar Shivayogi Swamiji on his fifth death anniversary in Tumakuru.

Speaking at the event, Siddaramaiah remembered Shivakumar Swamiji and said he was hailed as Nadedaduva devaru (Walking god) and the state government honoured with Karnataka’s highest award Karnataka Ratna.

“I will write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding India's highest civilian honour of Bharat Ratna Posthumously to be awarded to Shivakumar Swamiji,” he said.  Speaking at the same event, former chief minister and senior BJP leader, BS Yediyurappa appreciated Siddaramaiah for declaring Basavanna as the cultural leader of Karnataka.

Wildlife and Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said, the Smriti Vana is built across 15 acres at the expense of five crores. The park consists of the writings of all the achievements of Shivakumar Swamiji. Dr Shivakumar Swamiji passed away in 2019 at the age of 111. Without the barriers of caste and religion he provided food and education to thousands of boys in Siddaganga mutt in Tumukuru.

State government to support dry coconut farmers. Addressing the media after the event, Siddaramaiah said that the government will provide an additional Rs 1500 with the minimum support price of Rs 12000 given by the central government to dry coconut farmers.