Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa laid the foundation stone for the construction of a 108-foot gigantic statue of Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda, on the occasion of his 511th birth anniversary on Saturday. It is to be erected at the Bengaluru Airport, which is named after him.
This project is touted to cost an estimate of Rs 78 crores, and is to be designed and sculpted by Ram Sutar, who was instrumental is designing the Statue of Unity.
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. C.N. Ashwath Narayan, who is also the Chairman of Kempegowda Development Authority, Revenue Minister R. Ashoka, as well as Adichunchanagiri Mutt Seer Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji and Siddaganga Mutt Seer Sri Siddalingapura Swamiji were the dignitaries who graced the event.
Kempe Gowda was born in Magadi, Bengaluru, on June 27, 1510 and was instrumental in the development of Bengaluru as a city. He also developed water bodies, including lakes and tanks for its supply to its people throughout the year.
The government also plans to develop the Kempapura village in the Magadi taluk as a tourist spot, where Kempe Gowda’s tomb lies.