Mysuru: Here is 65-year-old Puttaswamy who is promoting Kannada language by pedalling across the state for the past more than 30 years. Surprisingly, no organisations including district administration recognised his love towards Kannada language.
Puttaswamy on barefoot, during the month of November, dedicates himself to promoting Kannada by wearing Kannada flag as attire and pedalling across the not only Mysuru district but also other districts. Apart from this, he only listens to Kannada songs that too only those sung by Dr. Rajkumar. He resides in Mandi Mohalla (Sophina Keri) in Mysuru.
Every year, he makes it a point to paint his bicycle (Karnataka flag colour) which is also more than 30 years old and spends nearly Rs 5000 for his attire which is yellow and red in colour resembling the Karnataka flag. Speaking to Newskarnataka, Puttaswamy who is also called Rajkumar said, “For Kannada, I am even ready to sacrifice my life. Kannada is everything to me. For the past more than 30 years I am involved in this sort of awareness drive. Starting from November 1, throughout this month I just keep roaming in cycle to create awareness about Kannada. Twice, I even met Dr. Rajkumar. I like Rajkumar because of his affection towards people. When I met him, he too appreciated my effort. I am not doing this for any publicity but doing this only for love towards Kannada. I will keep doing this till I am active and alive”.
Shivakumar, who works in a private firm, said, “I am seeing him for the past many years. His love towards Kannada is unimaginable. He is involved in creating such awareness for more than 30 years but unfortunately no one including organisations or the government have recognised his service. Hope atleast in days to come, he gets the well-deserved appreciation.”
