Chikkamagaluru: Adichunchanagiri Mutt seer Nirmalanandanatha swami said the concept of start-ups and unicorns was gaining momentum in the country, with around two lakh start-ups and approximately 130 unicorns.The religious leader addressed the gathering after unveiling the statue of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda in Aldur here. He said a unicorn is a company with an estimated turnover of $1 billion, or Rs 9,000 crore.
Kempegowda, with his foresight, established 64 markets during his time in Bengaluru, symbolising plans to enhance skills and craftsmanship. Bengaluru’s contribution to the IT-BT sectors resulted in an additional Rs 5,000 crore in the current budget.Legislative council member SL Bhojegowda called Kempegowda a ‘national asset’. JD(S) youth wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy said even without technology, Kempegowda established market towns and water resources for farmers.MLA Nayana Motamma emphasised the importance of promoting history, and contributions of great personalities to future generations. The Vokkaliga community leader DB Ashok said the first statue of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda in Chikkamagaluru district was built with donations from the community. The bronze statue, weighing 2,400 kg, is 12 feet tall, 6 feet wide, and 16 feet long, and was crafted by sculptor Vijay G from Bidadi.District Vokkaliga Sangha president T Rajashekhar, legislative council deputy speaker MK Pranesh, and member CT Ravi were present.
