Davanagere: Preparations were under way on a 100-acre site to pay tribute to the veteran legislator and former minister Shamanur Shivashankarappa, who passed away a few days back. The event is scheduled for Dec 26 near Kalleshwara Rice Mill in Anekonda. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the event, where a three-stage pavilion is being constructed. Food arrangements will be organised at various locations across the city. Invitations were sent to all district residents, urging their participation.Religious leaders, Rajya Sabha member HD Deve Gowda, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, chief minister Siddaramaiah, and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar are expected to be present. The programme will begin at 10.15am. Retired Supreme Court Justice Shivaraj Patil would preside over the ceremony, district in-charge minister SS Mallikarjun informed reporters.Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, will unveil a statue of Shivashankarappa crafted by Mysuru artist Arun Yogiraj. Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda will release a booklet on Shivashankarappa’s life, and chief minister Siddaramaiah will release a documentary titled ‘Amruta Purusha.’Family members, including grandchildren, are set to share their memories of him. Religious leaders from across the state will attend, and Vachana singing would be presented by Ravindra Soragavi and his team from Bengaluru.Seating will be arranged for over 25,000 attendees, with separate dining areas for religious leaders, dignitaries, and the public. As many as 90 food counters would be set up at the venue, with additional arrangements at various community halls in the city. As large numbers of people are expected, traffic routes are being altered from 6am to 6pm on Friday.
