ಒಂದು ಯುಗದ ಅಂತ್ಯ: ಡಾ. ಶಾಮನೂರು ಶಿವಶಂಕರಪ್ಪನವರ ನುಡಿನಮನ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಣ್ಣೀರಿನ ಶ್ರದ್ಧಾಂಜಲಿ ಮತ್ತು ಸಂಕಲ್ಪ
BENGALURU: A heavy silence filled the Taralabalu Kendra Auditorium on Wednesday as a sea of devotees, spiritual leaders, and grieving followers gathered for Nudi Namana—a heartfelt tribute to the late Dr. Shamanur Shivashankarappa. The atmosphere was thick with reverence as the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha bid a final, emotional farewell to the man who was not just their National President, but the community’s guiding North Star.
The air was sanctified by the presence of the revered Seers of Sirigere and Suttur Srikshetra, whose words painted a portrait of a leader whose heart beat for the downtrodden. Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre presided over the solemn assembly, while retired IPS officer Shankar Bidari delivered a eulogy that moved many to tears.
The Architect of Dreams: From Industry to Education
In a deeply moving address, Jagadguru Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji of Suttur recalled how Dr. Shivashankarappa transformed the landscape of Davangere. He didn’t just build buildings; he built futures.
“Davangere was once a city of smoke and industry,” the Seer remarked softly. “But he breathed a soul into it, turning it into a sanctuary of learning. Today, thousands of rural children, who once had no path, walk through the doors of his institutions toward a brighter life.”
The Swamiji’s voice carried a hint of melancholy as he described the late leader as an Ajatashatru—a man without enemies. Like a timeless melody that continues even after the musician has left the stage, the Seer urged the community to keep Shivashankarappa’s “music” alive through unity and the swift appointment of a new leader to carry his heavy mantle. 
A Legacy Written in Stone and Heart
Shankar Bidari spoke with the raw emotion of a man who had lost a mentor. Reflecting on the “dark year” of 2025, which claimed both Dr. Shivashankarappa and Tippanna, Bidari’s voice cracked as he recalled the late President’s final acts of staggering generosity.
“He didn’t just give speeches; he gave himself,” Bidari said, reminding the crowd that Shivashankarappa had donated two acres of prime land and a personal fortune of one crore rupees for a student hostel. “Every brick of that hostel for a thousand students will be a testament to his love. That is the only tribute worthy of his name.”
The Banyan Tree of the Community
The most poignant moments came from those who knew him beyond the titles. Former Minister Rani Satish drew a beautiful, tear-jerking comparison, likening Dr. Shivashankarappa and his late wife, Parvatamma, to a mighty Banyan tree.
“They were the shelter we all ran to when the sun was too hot,” she whispered. “They were the two eyes of our community—one watching over our traditions, the other looking toward our future.”
A Call for Unity in the Wake of Loss
The memorial was more than a look backward; it was a desperate plea for the future. Prabhakar Kore shared memories of a man who never hungered for the hollow crowns of politics, while Vice President Chidananda Murthy spoke of a leader who quelled the fires of community conflict in 2018-19 not with force, but with the gentle, cooling touch of affection.
As the ceremony concluded, the auditorium was not filled with the sound of mourning, but with a collective, whispered promise. Though the “Lion of Davangere” is silent, his roar lives on in the thousands of students he educated, the institutions he built, and the spirit of unity he desperately tried to protect.
