Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna has said that former Member of Parliament late G. Mallikarjunappa and his family would be remembered for generations for their contribution to the field of education and service towards farmers and commoners.

He was addressing a gathering after unveiling a 12-foot statue of the late G. Mallikarjunappa on the G.M. University campus in Davangere during the Founders’ Day celebrations on Saturday. The Minister also inaugurated a gallery that showcases the life and achievements of the founders on the occasion.

Mr. Somanna said that the G.M. group of institutions, which were established as per G. Mallikarjunappa’s vision, had done what various governments had failed to do, and had provided education to poor children. He said Mr. Mallikarjunappa showed farmers how to make farming viable and profitable.

Giving away the ‘Excellence Awards’ to the best teachers, former Large and Medium Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani recalled his association with the G.M. family. He said he owed a lot to the family for his success as an entrepreneur, as it was G.M. Siddeshwar who guided him to the path of success when he was on the verge of failure.

He hoped that the G.M. Group, which was providing education to 10,000 students, would soon grow on the lines of the KLE Society, which was providing education to lakhs of students.

Presiding over the function, former Union Minister G.M. Siddeshwar recalled his father, G. Mallikarjunappa’s, contribution to the field of education in the rural areas of Davangere district and the birth of the Srishyla Education Trust, which now runs several educational institutions.

Chairman of the Trust G.M. Prasannakumar, Chancellor of G.M. University G.M. Lingaraju, Vice-Chancellor S.R. Shankhpal, Pro-Chancellor M. Venugopal Rao, Registrar Sunilkumar B.S. and others were present.

On the occasion, Padmashri awardee Suresh Hanagawadi, social activist K.B. Shankarnarayan, and spiritual teacher Hanumanthappa Ksheersagar were honoured. Eight teachers were honoured with ‘Excellence Awards’ in recognition of their service.