Sullia: When Mahatma Ghandhi had come to Sullia in 1940s, the father of Dr. Kurunji Venkatramana Gowda had offered the leader a garland of cardamom pouches, Gandhiji in turn put that aromatic garland round the neck of KVG and blessed him to be a person spreading the perfume of cardamoms in his taluk.

The ideals of Gandhiji are still alive and at work in KVG today, said Dr. Prabhakara Shishila, Professor of Nehru Memorial College in Sullia on Tuesday, while celebrating 83rd birthday celebrations of Dr. KVG here.

The Kurunji couples were honoured on the occasion, by Dr.Sunder Naik, MD of state Tourism Development Corporation.

KVG inaugurated a Social Service League on the occasion, with a slogan Gandhi for India and KV Gowda for Sullia raided by his admirers, who lauded his work in education and health fields.

Several dignitaries were on the dais. S.J. Rai welcomed. Dinesh introductory remards. P.C. Jairam thanked the gathering. Seetharm K, conducted the proceedings MLA Angara inaugurated.