L J Ravi 
Deve Gowda presented with ‘Sri Ganga Samrata Sri Purush’ award; Son of the soil shed tears on the stage
Bengaluru: ‘I have written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him not to release excess water of Godavari river to Tamil Nadu,’ said former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda.
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda was felicitated with the ‘Sri Ganga Samrata Sri Purush’ award. At a function organized by the Deve Gowda Abhinandana Samiti in Bengaluru, the Sri, Suttur Sri, Madara Channaiah Sri, Nanjavadhuta Sri of Adichunchanagiri Mutt presented the award to Deve Gowda. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda and others were present at the programme.
Deve Gowda conferred with ‘Sri Ganga Samrata Sri Purush’ award
The ceremony was organized by the Deve Gowda Abhinandana Samiti
The former Prime Minister shed tears on the stage, remembering the sacrifice of his wife Chennamma
Receiving the Sri Ganga Samrata Sri Purusha Award from the HD Deve Gowda Abhinandana Samiti, he said, ‘Karnataka has been facing injustice in terms of water for decades. If water is released to Tamil Nadu when people are facing drinking water problems, it will cause more problems in the future. Therefore, I have written a letter to Prime Minister Modi and urged him not to release water,’ he said.
‘Karnataka has given the Modi government 17 MPs and has given it strength. I believe that he will not do injustice to Karnataka. At the age of 93, I will make a sincere effort to solve the water problem. I will continue to fight in Parliament as well,’ he said.
‘In my 65 years of political career, I cannot forget how every community gave me strength and elevated the son of a common farmer to the post of Prime Minister. This award given by my fans has brought me peace,’ he expressed happiness.
Deve Gowda, who was deeply moved after receiving the award, said that the credit for this award given to him should be given to the love and trust of all Kannadigas and to my wife Channamma, who has been my strength throughout my life. Nanjavadhuta Swamiji of Sfatikapuri Mahasamsthan Math spoke and said, ‘H.D. Deve Gowda is the one who has overcome all the contradictions in today’s society and contributed to every community during his short tenure. He was a brave leader who provided reservation for the Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes. His achievements will remain in history for all times,’ he praised.
