This special social service project has been held in Bengaluru in connection with H. D. Deve Gowda’s birthday, and meals can be accessed by the public just for Re 1 at the popular ‘Namma Deve Gowda Appaji Canteen’ in Basavanagudi.
The one-of-a-kind programme is being coordinated by T. A. Sharavana, deputy leader of Janata Dal (Secular) in the Karnataka Legislative Council. The occasion was to celebrate Deve Gowda’s birthday, not as a traditional political party celebration but as a public benefits venture.
A special food distribution programme is underway at the Appaji Canteen at the 50 Feet Road in Hanumanthanagar, Basavanagudi. Lunch service started at 12 noon, with hundreds of people expected to benefit from the initiative all day. Organisers said the programme was intended to honour Deve Gowda’s lifelong dedication to farmers, poor and common people.
The organisers have hoped that by providing meals at a low price of a mere Re 1, the support can be extended to daily wage labourers, senior citizens, students, and economically weaker sections of society. The event has also gained media attention with ‘Bigg Boss Season 12’ winner Gilli acting as a chief guest.
Fans and JD(S) fans converged at the venue to have fun on the occasion, and mingling with guests engaged in the programme. Wavy banners, posters and birthday wishes for Deve Gowda were placed on the canteen grounds to generate a festive atmosphere in the area. Volunteers and party workers assisted with food distribution and crowd control as people lined up to eat.
Organisers said Deve Gowda had always stood for simplicity and concern for the local population and therefore that the birthday celebration was designed in a way that directly benefits the public, and spoke on the initiative. They said that such programs focused on service also represent the kind of principles advanced by the senior leader in his leadership. H. D. Deve Gowda is one of the most powerful political leaders in Karnataka and is still very much one of the respected figures across party lines.
He remains popular for his grass-roots politics and ties to the rural people, even now that he has graduated from a stint as Prime Minister of India and also Chief Minister of Karnataka. Leaders and workers of Janata Dal (Secular) in Karnataka are giving various programmes to celebrate his birthday, ranging from blood donation camps, food drives, and welfare activities in various districts.
Many residents in Bengaluru are appreciative of the Re 1 meal initiative, and describe it as a thoughtful and meaningful way of celebrating a veteran leader’s birthday while also giving back to society.
