Recognise pourakarmikas like Class I, II officers, says Aravinda Malagatti
Speaking at the inauguration of a painting exhibition on freedom fighters by artist UG Mohankumar Aradhya, Malagatti said pourakarmikas deserve recognition on par with Class I and Class II officers. The event, held at Kalamandira Suchitra Art Gallery, was organised in collaboration with Kannada Sahitya Kala Koota and Karnataka State Backward Classes Awareness Forum, as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
Malagatti urged the state and central govts to treat pourakarmikas with dignity. "Even if they cannot be paid on par with Class I employees, they should at least receive salaries on par with Class II employees," he said.
He noted that although the department of Kannada and culture published three volumes on freedom fighters, many unsung heroes — both from the pre-and post-Independence periods — were overlooked. "There is a need for further research to bring their stories to light," he said.
"Many participated in the freedom struggle, with some even engaging in battles against the British, while others contributed in some other ways, such as disrupting the British communication lines by cutting telephone wires," he said. He suggested that uncovering and documenting these small stories would ensure their place in history.
Legislative council member D Thimmaiah stated that freedom fighters should be remembered year-round, not just during Independence Day.
"We are free today as a result of the independence they brought us," he said.
Mysuru City Corporation deputy commissioner GS Somashekar presided over the event. Kannada Sahitya Kala Koota president M Chandrashekhar and Karnataka State Backward Classes Awareness Forum president KS Shivaramu and others were present.
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