Mysuru: Congress MLC B.S. Shivanna has urged the Karnataka government to have this year’s world-famous Mysuru Dasara inaugurated by a pourakarmika (municipal sanitation worker), saying the honour would recognise the invaluable contribution of sanitation workers in keeping cities clean, healthy and liveable.
In separate letters addressed to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who is also the Mysuru district in-charge minister, Shivanna appealed to the government to consider a sanitation worker for the ceremonial inauguration of the state’s biggest cultural festival.
Proposal to honour sanitation workers
Shivanna noted that Mysuru Dasara has traditionally been inaugurated by distinguished personalities, including Kannada litterateurs, political leaders, spiritual leaders and philanthropists.
This year, he suggested that the honour be given to a pourakarmika as a mark of appreciation for their dedicated public service and contribution to urban sanitation.
He said such a decision would symbolise the state’s respect for workers who perform essential civic duties every day, often without adequate public recognition.
‘Civic warriors’ who protect public health
Describing sanitation workers as “pourasenanis” (civic warriors), Shivanna said they are among the most indispensable yet least recognised contributors to urban life.
He stated that they play a vital role in maintaining public health by sweeping roads, clearing drains, collecting and transporting solid waste and maintaining public spaces.
According to the Congress MLC, the responsibilities of sanitation workers have become even more significant with rapid urbanisation and the increasing challenges of solid waste management.
He added that their work serves as the first line of defence against the spread of diseases and contributes directly to cleaner and healthier cities.
Symbol of dignity and social inclusion
Referring to previous Dasara inaugurations, Shivanna recalled that the 2022 Mysuru Dasara was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, who offered floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi Hills.
He said inviting a sanitation worker to inaugurate this year’s festivities would send a strong message about dignity of labour, social inclusion and respect for marginalised communities.
According to Shivanna, recognising the contribution of sanitation workers on such a prestigious platform would inspire greater appreciation for their service across society.
Earlier suggestions
This is not the first time Shivanna has advocated honouring sanitation workers through symbolic gestures.
He said he had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that the Ayodhya Ram Temple be inaugurated by a pourakarmika.
He had also proposed that the President of India should be the son or daughter of a sanitation worker as a tribute to the community’s service to the nation.
Support for sanitation workers
Shivanna has undertaken several initiatives aimed at supporting sanitation workers and their families.
He has organised health camps for pourakarmikas and distributed laptops to their children pursuing higher education.
The Congress leader said recognising sanitation workers during Mysuru Dasara would complement such efforts by highlighting their role in society and encouraging greater respect for those engaged in essential civic services.
The state government is yet to respond to Shivanna’s proposal regarding the inauguration of this year’s Mysuru Dasara.