Mangaluru : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday unveiled a 22-feet tall bronze statue of Kedambady Ramayya Gowda, who had led Amar Sullia’s rebellion against the British government in 1837 much earlier to 1857 Sepoy mutiny.

Speaking to the audience , Bommai said “Ramaiah Gowda is great freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for the freedom of our country. As we are born after Independence, we do not know the struggle of those who fought for the liberation of the country from the British rule. If there is no freedom of speech and other rights, it is slavery.

“We achieved freedom through the sacrifices of several freedom fighters. The British who came for trade used our own people against our country as we did not have unity. When farmers hit streets demanding independence, they were compelled to leave the country. Farmers came as soldiers for independence struggle. Whenever farmer joined protests, it became a revolution. This shook the British rulers,” he said.

He stated that there are several freedom fighters who did not get recognition. He also assured a memorial statue of Kedambadi Ramaiah Gowda and other unrecognized freedom fighters in Bengaluru. “By learning history. we should always keep remembering their contribution for the country. They are an inspiration for us,” he said.

Dr Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, head of Adichunchanagiri Math, former Union minister DV Sadananda Gowda, Ministers S Angara, Dr Ashwath Narayan, MLAs Vedavyasa Kamath, Bharat Shetty, Sanjiva Mathandur, DC Ravikumar, U.T. Khader, Mangaluru Mayor Jayananda Anchan and others were present.

Bommai also visited State BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel at the hospital, enquired about his health, and wished him a speedy recovery.