Kolar
The Shivayogi Siddharameshwara Jayanti programme was inaugurated at the city’s T. Channaiah Theatre under the auspices of the District Administration and the Kannada and Culture Department. The event brought together public representatives, officials, and members of the community to reflect on the teachings of Shivayogi Siddharameshwara and to deliberate on welfare measures for marginalised sections, particularly the Bhovi community.
Addressing the gathering, speakers highlighted the historical contribution of the Bhovi community, noting that its members have traditionally earned their livelihood through permanent and strenuous work. Reference was made to their significant role in major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) reservoir in Mysuru. Emphasising their contribution to society, it was stated that such communities deserve sustained support and assistance from the government and administration.
The speakers urged that all possible help should be extended to the Bhovi community to improve their living and working conditions. They suggested that the concerned officials, including the district administration, should be instructed to allocate stone blocks near Narasapur for the benefit of the community. In addition, there was a strong demand for regular health check-ups for civic workers belonging to the community, considering the physically demanding nature of their work.
It was also proposed that civic workers should be allowed to work only for half a day on the second and fourth Saturdays, providing them much-needed rest and work-life balance. Another key suggestion was to utilise Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) grants specifically for health and education initiatives aimed at supporting the children of civic workers, thereby ensuring better opportunities for the next generation.
MLA Kottur Manjunath, who presided over the programme, expressed concern over the absence of senior community leaders at the event. In his remarks, he called upon community members to set aside differences and come together on common platforms. He emphasised that unity and collective participation are essential for addressing community issues effectively, rather than limiting engagement only to election periods.