67-year-old farmer from Mallara village in HD Kote given invite
Puttaiah being felicitated by officials and family members in Mallara village (Photo: DC)
Mysuru: Unlike previous years when litterateurs or noted personalities inaugurated the famed Dasara celebrations, this year the Dasara High Power Committee has decided to get it done by a progressive farmer to whom the invite was extended on Monday.
Mallara, over 50 km from Mysuru in HD Kote, one of the most backward taluks in the state, wore a festive look as the district administration headed to extend the invite to 67-year-old Puttaiah who will inaugurate the celebrations on October 13. There was no end to the happiness of his 40-member joint family who were all dressed in new clothes.
The Dasara Executive Committee led by Mysuru DC and Secretary of Dasara Executive Committee, Ms C Shikha, which went to invite him, was left spellbound by the overwhelming hospitality extended by Puttaiah’s family. They were treated to bananas cultivated in his farm and fresh tender coconuts. While the DC was felicitated with a green Raitha Sangha shawl, the DC and ZP chairperson, Dr Pushpa Amarnath were offered bangles and flowers.
Puttaiah was overwhelmed with joy and said, “I have watched Dasara as a common man amidst the huge rush of people at KR Circle and not even once at the Palace. I am touched by the fact that the state has chosen me, an ordinary Dalit farmer, to do the job this year. I feel privileged to have got an opportunity to pray to Goddess Chamundeswari to bless the state with good rains and crops.”
DC C. Shikha said, “He initially had four acres of land, Puttaiah now owns 40 acres and follows integrated farming. He has adopted the best farm practices planned to get income round the year. He is one among the ten farmers from the entire state who were shortlisted for the inaugural ceremony. We intend to instil a sense of hope among the farmers’ fraternity and pass on a positive message to them by choosing him to open Dasara.”
The son of a bonded labourer, Puttaiah is now member of the Bonded labour prevention committee of HD Kote taluk. District in-charge minister, Mr V. Srinivasprasad, who fell sick, cancelled his visit to the village at the last moment.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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