Devaraj Urs tried to eradicate inequality in society by implementing land reforms- Madhwaraj
Udupi: The 101st birth anniversary and valedictory ceremony of the Birth centenary programmes of former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs were held at Brahmashree Narayana Guru Auditorium Bannaje, Udupi here on August 20.
The programme was origanised jointly by the district administration, Zilla panchayat, Backward classes and minority department and D Devaraj Urs Backward Development Corporation.
The programme began with Nadageethe, Harish L Gaounker director backward classes and minority department welcomed the gathering. Pramod Madhwaraj District minister in-charge inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp followed by the floral tributes to the portrait of Devaraj Urs.
In his message, the minister said that Devaraj Urs played a major role in implementing many schemes for the poor. Urs had effectively implemented the 20-Point Programme drawn up by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Urs’ implementation of land reforms had uplifted the weaker sections of the society. Urs wanted to make the tiller the owner of the land. He wanted the small and marginal farmers working in the fields of landlords to lead a life of dignity. Over three lakh tenant farmers had benefited from the land reforms initiated by Urs in the undivided Udupi district. Urs battled for equality among people. “He pioneered pro-people movements in the State and chalked out many schemes for the socially backward classes, along with providing reservations. His lifetime and the present generation should follow in his footprints, he added.
Prof Surendranath Shetty delivered a special talk on the Life and achievements of Devaraj Urs. Various government schemes were handed over to the beneficiaries. Meritorious students were honoured on the occasion.
Sheela K Shetty (vice president ZP), Nalini Pradeep (president TP), Meenakshi Madhava (President CMC), Veronica Cornelio (President KSDL), Priyanka Mary Francis (CEO Udup ZP), Anuradha (ADC) and others were present.