New Delhi, 23 October (H.S.): The birth anniversary of Kittur Rani Chennamma, the legendary warrior queen of Kittur, and the 202nd anniversary of her historic victory against the British were commemorated with grandeur at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House Complex on Friday. On the occasion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil and Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna, among other dignitaries, paid floral tributes to Rani Chennamma, remembering her valour, courage and sacrifice.

The programme was organised under the leadership of V. Somanna, Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti and Member of Parliament from Tumakuru. It was attended by several prominent personalities, including MPs P. C. Mohan and Dr. Sudhakar, former Karnataka minister Murugesh Nirani, and Basanagouda Patil Yatnal. Members of the Kannada community from various districts of Karnataka and those residing in Delhi also gathered to pay homage to the revered queen.

Several religious leaders from different maths were present at the ceremony. They included Basava Mrityunjaya Swami of Kudalasangama, Shankarananda Swami, a seer from Siddharoodha Math in Alur, Bidar district, Atmaram Swami of Gurudev Ashram in Kakkamari, and Vinayak Swami of Siddharoodha Math in Chalakapura.

Addressing the gathering, Somanna described Rani Chennamma as an exceptional warrior whose legacy transcended the battlefield. He said she had not merely fought a war but had challenged imperial authority, securing an enduring place in history as an immortal symbol of resistance and indomitable courage. Remembering the achievements of such a remarkable woman, he added, was a matter of pride and joy for everyone.

Somanna further observed that Rani Chennamma’s valour and courage, commemorated at the hallowed premises of Parliament, continued to inspire the brave soldiers defending the nation. He said her life was a source of pride for all those who cherished their motherland and language. He also urged people to assemble every year to remember and honour such eminent personalities who had made lasting contributions to the nation.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for encouraging the annual observance, Somanna said the initiative had made it possible to organise the commemorative programme every year. He also thanked Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, officials of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the Ministry of Railways and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for granting permission and extending their support for the event.

Basava Mrityunjaya Swami also addressed the gathering. He appreciated Somanna’s initiative to organise an annual commemorative programme in honour of Rani Chennamma at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament Complex and expressed his happiness over the observance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar