Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Honors Renowned professor Kanche Ilaiah with ‘Ma Jati Suryudu Award’
Raichur, January 13 – In a ceremony held at Kanaka Peetham in Tintani Bridge, Raichur District, Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah bestowed the prestigious ‘Ma Jati Suryudu Award’ upon esteemed scholar Professor Kanche Ilaiah Shepherd. The award, which signifies the sun of the nation, was presented to Professor Ilaiah for his significant contributions to literature and social awareness.
During the event, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lauded Professor Kanche Ilaiah for his numerous books that have actively addressed societal issues and raised awareness among the public. Siddaramaiah emphasized the crucial role individuals like Professor Ilaiah play in challenging the existing patriarchal and unequal structures in society.
Expressing his gratitude for the award, Professor Kanche Ilaiah called on the Karnataka government to establish English medium schools specifically for Dalit Bahujan children in the state. He urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ensure that children from the Bahujan community receive an education equal to that of their upper-caste counterparts.
The event saw representatives of Kanaka Peetham commending Professor Ilaiah’s literary works, including notable titles like ‘Why I am not a Hindu’ and ‘Buffalo Nationalism,’ which critique Brahmin supremacy and patriarchal ideologies. Kanaka Peetham honored Professor Ilaiah as the ‘Sun of our Nation,’ acknowledging his proud heritage in the Kuruma caste.
As a token of appreciation, the head of Kanaka Peetham, Sri Siddharamananda Mahaswamy, presented Professor Ilaiah with a turban and a cash award of Rs. 50 thousand.
Prominent figures present at the ceremony included Union Fertilizers and Chemicals Minister Bhagwant Khubha, Karnataka Urban Development Minister Bairathi Suresh, Bosuraju, Telangana Bar Council Member Chalakani Venkat Yadav, Prof. Nari Yadaiah, Telangana High Court Advocates Viplove, Dasari Srinivas, Osmania students Kongala Pandu, Gurunadh, Surender, Dayyala Sudhakar, among others.
