It is good to remember a great patriot like Sangolli Rayanna at a time when we had just celebrated our indepence yesterday. If we are enjoying freedom and fresh air under a democratic set-up, today it is due to the collective sacrifices and painful struggles made by thousands of freedom fighters and patriots in the past across the country during the colonial rule. The contribution toward freedom made by warrior Sangolli Rayanna centuries ago remains deeply embedded in the state of Karnataka, particularly in the region of Belagavi.
Erection of memorials for great people and freedom fighters in public places is an important duty of the ruling government. Such memorials erected in places where they served or where they visited for certain cause will not only inspire the younger generation but also act as a stimulus to the posterity.
On March 28, 2023 the former CM of Karnataka Basavaraj Bommai unveiled the statues of Father of Indian Constitution B.R. Ambedkar, Kittur queen Rani Chennamma and her confidante Sangolli Rayanna whose contribution to India's freedom and growth is well itched in Indian history. The interesting fact is choosing the right venue to install the statues of people who made a mark in history. The venue was front part of the West Entrance of Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi where the freedom fighters confronted the British. CM Bommai said at the unveiling ceremony, "Historically Belagavi is a prominent city. The bugle of Indian freedom struggle was first blown by Kittur queen Rani Chennamma. Her confidante Sangolli Rayanna fought for freedom and sacrificed his life.”
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| Freedom fighter Sangolli Rayannatwitter.com/Raagha |
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| statue of Sangolli Rayanna, Belagavi. thehindu.com |
Above image: The statue of Sangolli Rayanna that was unveiled in front of Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday at Belagavi. Born on 15 August 1798 in the district of Belagavi, Karnataka Rayanna who actively took part in the 1824 rebellion fought the British East India Company's unjust and ruthless rule till his death. Despite objections/protests from the English company, he was keen to install adopted son Shivalingappa as the ruler of Kittur. The British were keen to secede the kingdom to their empire using the doctrine of lapse as a ruse. Rani Chennamma’s son was adopted, the queen refused to secede her kingdom after her husband’s death. Aided by Rayanna, she fought British bravely but was defeated and imprisoned. Warrior Rayanna, supported by people of all walks of life, became a popular pioneer of guerrilla warfare in India and continued his fight against the British till till 1829. Unfortunately, he was captured though perfidy and executed by the English by hanging to death. In the place - Nandaghad where this great warrior was buried a banyan sapling was planted then and now it is a huge tree. Thus he attained immortality in this part of Karnataka. ..................
Installation of statues and portraits of freedom fighters and great leaders has been in vogue for a long time and purpose of such memorial or commemoration is to remind the people about the solid contribution and sacrifices made by them for the growth and welfare of the society notwithstanding the hurdles and criticisms they faced in their lives. The elected representatives have the crucial responsibility of working for the welfare of the people, he added.
Former CM Basavaraj Bommai in january said that a military school at a cost of Rs.180 crore would be coming up in Karnataka on a plot of 100 acres of land in honor of Sangolli Rayanna and it would be handed over to the Defence Ministry. Steps were being taken to have a statue of Rayanna installed at Delhi and the present ministry will take this project forward without any delay.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangolli_Rayanna
