The Ministry of Railways organized the 202nd Victory Celebration and birth anniversary commemoration of Kittur Rani Chennamma at Prerana Sthal in the Parliament premises, New Delhi, on October 23, 2026. The event was led by Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti Shri V. Somanna, who is also the Member of Parliament from Tumakuru. The program was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil, and several other parliament members, former ministers, religious leaders including Pujya Shri Basava Mrutyunjaya Swamiji of Kudalasangama, and a large number of Kannadigas from Karnataka and Delhi who paid floral tributes to Rani Chennamma.
In his address, Union Minister V. Somanna described Kittur Rani Chennamma as "the nation's unparalleled woman warrior" and "an immortal symbol of resistance" who challenged British imperial power. He emphasized that her valour serves as inspiration for contemporary protectors of the country and represents a matter of pride for those who love their land and language. The Minister appealed for annual gatherings at the Parliament to remember such great personalities.
Somanna expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for permitting the annual program and being an inspirational force, and thanked Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, officials of Lok Sabha, Ministry of Railways, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for granting permission and cooperation. Religious leader Basava Mrutyunjaya Swamiji expressed appreciation for Minister Somanna's initiative in organizing the annual program at Parliament's Prerana Sthal.
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