Mangaluru: A seminar and book release commemorating the life and contributions of Gandhian and freedom fighter Kumbra Jathappa Rai will be held at Ravindra Kalabhavana, University College, Mangaluru, on Thursday.The programme is being jointly organised by the Karnataka Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi, University College Mangaluru, Tulu Adhyayana Peetha, Kumbra Jathappa Rai Pratishtana and the National Service Scheme (NSS) of Mangalore University.District minister UT Khader will inaugurate the programme, while Nadoja Dr Wooday P Krishna, president of the Karnataka Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi, will deliver the keynote address. Srikrishna Gajanana Kulakarni, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, will deliver a special lecture on ‘Gandhi and World Peace’.Former Kannada University vice-chancellor BA Viveka Rai will release the Tulu-translated book titled ‘Gandhi Pathada Sadhaka- Jathappa Rai Jivanagathe’. Mangalore University VC PL Dharma will preside over the programme.Speaking at a press meet on Tuesday, K Pramod Kumar Rai, founder of the Kumbra Jathappa Rai Pratishtana, said the event aims to recall Rai’s contribution to the freedom movement and his lifelong commitment to Gandhian principles.Rai participated in the 1940-41 individual satyagraha, and was imprisoned for his anti-war campaigns. He also administered the National Oath of Independence to the people gathered at Puttur on Aug 15, 1947, as the national flag was hoisted.The book documents his life and his work in South Canara, highlighting his commitment to democracy, social unity and Gandhian ideals.
