New Delhi [India], November 21 (ANI/SRV): Sacred soil from across Karnataka has reached the feet of Kempegowda and is being used in the gopuras surrounding the Statue of Prosperity. The "holy soil collection" programme of the Karnataka government, as part of its initiative to unveil the "Statue of Prosperity" in memory of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, has virtually become a Thanksgiving moment for the people. Dr. Ashwathnarayan, a senior minister and popular Vokkaliga community leader, spearheaded the entire campaign. "Kempegowda Rathas" fanned out across Karnataka state, covering villages and towns and reportedly traveling 22,000 kilometers. Widespread enthusiasm shown by villagers during the exercise transformed it into a "mass movement" with a life of its own. In Indian culture, it is believed that the people are intimately connected to the land they live on. The belief in the Bharatiya Janata Party too, says Dr. Ashwathnarayan, is that only with the
Bengaluru Habba to be organised from next year to mark Kempe Gowda s birth anniversary thehindu.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thehindu.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.