The storyline will be created by noted Kannada litterateur K Lingayya and released on April 18, the birthday of the founding father of Bangalore. The 36-page illustrated book will feature drawings by Venugopal, a noted illustrator from Bangalore.
The comic book will be released as part of the three-day festival that has been envisaged by the BBMP for celebrating Kempe Gowda’s contribution to the City and the State on the whole, said Mayor S K Nataraj here on Wednesday. However, the comic book will not be on sale, but will be distributed among the BBMP schoolchildren from class one to four.
“We are also looking at giving 100 copies per corporator to be distributed in their respective wards,” informed a BBMP official.
Museum to open
The much debated Kempe Gowda Museum will be inaugurated on April 7 at the Mayo Hall, said the Mayor. On that day, the Palike will host a seminar on "Formation of Bangalore" organised by the Kempe Gowda Museum Committee.
The Mayor stated that one of the two halls at the Museum premises will have a picture gallery, with two sections, one dedicated to pictures about the life and achievements of Kempe Gowda, while another on the fortresses and religious institutions built by him.
Even inscriptions and travelogues of foreigners on old Bangalore will also be displayed. Memorabilia from that period, including arms, utensils, miniature models of the City’s old forts and life in old Bangalore will also be on display. Nataraj also stated that all efforts were being made by Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) Director S K Aruni to procure the books, documents and memorabilia from the British Library in London. The BBMP is also talking to State government on celebrating the 500th birth anniversary of Kempe Gowda.
Kempe Gowda awards
The Kempe Gowda Award will be given to around 75 personalities this year. The award carries a reward of Rs 25,000 and a memento.