Veteran journalist and president of Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangha (KVS) Patil Puttappa was accorded a public felicitation upon turning 100 years at a function held here on Monday.

Many recollected their acquaintance with Mr. Puttappa and shed light on his versatile personality and his contributions as a journalist, activist, writer and politician.

Patil Puttappa Centenary Celebrations Reception Committee chairman and senior folklore scholar Go. Ru. Channabasappa said Mr. Puttappa had dedicated a majority of his life to society.

Minister for Local Administration C.S. Shivalli said Mr. Puttappa had served society in various capacities. His straight talks and transparent lifestyle had earned him admiration of many. Senior Congress leader Shyamanur Shivashankarappa called him a man of integrity and courage. His analytical skills, subject expertise and narrative capacity helped him carve a niche for himself in society, he said.

MLC Basavaraj Horatti, former Minister Vinay Kulkarni, seers Nijagunananda and others also spoke. Members of various organisations felicitated him.

In his address Mr. Puttappa recollected memories of the State unification movement of which he was a leading figure. He said more than six decades had elapsed since the formation of the linguistic province of Karnataka . However, the political entity formed unifying Kannada-speaking areas was yet to achieve cultural and mental oneness, he said. The negligence of the northern parts after Independence has resulted in economic and social imbalance. No one wishes to have two States, but if a stepmotherly attitude towards the northern region continues, it is natural that the demand for separate statehood will gain momentum. Those who are at the helm of power should not give scope for such developments, Mr. Puttappa said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Staff Reporter / Dharwad – January 15th, 2019