Former Rajya Sabha Member F M Khan (85) Passes away
Madikeri: Former Rajya Sabha member Faiz Mohammed Khan (85), more commonly known as F M Khan, died in a private hospital here on Thursday.
He is survived by wife and three children. His final rites will be held in Rasulpur in the district at 10:30 am on Friday
Khan had come into the limelight during the anti-Hindi agitation which was at its peak in the mid-1960s. In the company of youth Congress leader Ramarao Gundu Rao, who was to become chief minister later, he rose in the political hierarchy and got elected to the Rajya Sabha from Indian National Congress (Indira).
With the clout he enjoyed with Gundu Rao during the latter’s tenure as chief minister, Khan, in his friends circle, was being fondly called ‘Field Marshal’ after his famous initials FM. He had also founded a farmers’ forum.
He had a great flair for gardening. He held annual flower shows during his stay in Delhi. After he settled down in Balayatri Estate near Boikeri on Madikeri-Suntikoppa road, he continued the shows in hometown. He had to his credit 35-plus in Delhi and about 15 in Boikeri. Admittance was free.
Distance and travel from Madikeri did not hinder visitors as flower-lovers eagerly looked forward to the annual shows. His garden has a staggering collection of Aglaonema, Marantha, Iscora, Lantana, Orchids, Philodendron, Palms, Dracena, Begonia, Anthurium, Birds of Paradise, Crassula, Grafted Cactus, Sansevieria, Aloe, Bromeliads, Succulents, Hibiscus, Croton, Bonsai, Rose, Petunia, Devil in the Bush, Love in Mist, Cineraria, Candy Tuft, Gazania, Calendula, Salvia, Holly Hock Mini, Chrysanthemum, Annual Chrysanthemum, Spider Flower, Zinnia, Helichrysum, Verbena, Blossom, Lupin Flower, Cock’s Comb, Larkspur, Clarkia, Celosia, Sunflower, Dahlia, Geranium, Gerbera, Daisy, Impatiens, Plectranthus and many others.
Richard Lasrado
Pic courtesy Lakshmish