CM D.K. Shivakumar Releases ‘Shivapatha’ Felicitation Volume Honouring Former MP L.R. Shivarame Gowda; Says ‘The Stronger You Become, the More Enemies You Make’
Bengaluru, July 4: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday released “Shivapatha”, a felicitation volume dedicated to former Member of Parliament L.R. Shivarame Gowda, describing his political journey as one filled with hardships, perseverance and resilience.
Speaking after releasing the book at a function held at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru, the Chief Minister said Shivarame Gowda’s political life was a “path full of thorns” that reflected years of struggle and commitment to public life.
The event was attended by Sri Nanjavadhuta Swamiji of the Spatikapuri Mahasansthana, Sri Nishchalanandanatha Swamiji of the Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasansthana, Sri Soumyanatha Swamiji of the Adichunchanagiri Branch Mutt, Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Justice Chandrashekaraiah, Minister Ramalinga Reddy, former Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar, MLAs Ranganath and Rizwan Arshad, MLC Puttanna, senior litterateur Hampa Nagarajaiah, and several other dignitaries.
‘Shivapatha Is a Journey Through Thorns’
Recalling his long association with Shivarame Gowda, Shivakumar said the veteran politician had travelled a difficult political path marked by challenges and setbacks.
“Shivarame Gowda’s Shivapatha is a journey through thorns. It is a path filled with hard work and sacrifice. He is one of the most colourful personalities in Karnataka politics. Even at the age of 70, he carries the energy of a 50-year-old,” the Chief Minister said.
Political Journey Marked by Ups and Downs
The Chief Minister recalled that Shivarame Gowda had contested elections under different political banners, including the Congress, Janata Dal, BJP and as an Independent.
He said there was a time when Shivarame Gowda deserved a Lok Sabha ticket but did not receive one.
“When times are difficult, many people try to trap you politically. Attempts were made to trap me as well, but I remained focused on my goal. With the blessings of the people, I have reached this position,” Shivakumar remarked.
Friendship Since 1983
Shivakumar said his friendship with Shivarame Gowda dates back to 1983, when both were active as student leaders and entrepreneurs.
He recalled that during the tenure of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, senior Congress leader S.M. Krishna, along with Nage Gowda, took a political risk by fielding Shivarame Gowda from Nagamangala. Although he lost that election, the episode became a significant chapter in Karnataka’s political history.
‘The Stronger You Become, the More Enemies You Have’
Reflecting on political life, Shivakumar observed that public leaders inevitably attract opposition as they grow stronger.
“The stronger we become, the more enemies we make. If we are less influential, we have fewer enemies. If we are not influential at all, we have no enemies. Politics is never an easy profession. Success depends on hard work and the trust of the people. We remain in politics only as long as the voters stand by us,” he said.
‘There Is No Cure for Jealousy’
The Chief Minister said jealousy has always been a part of political life.
“There is no medicine for jealousy. We have all seen victories and defeats in politics. There was a time when Shivarame Gowda won as an Independent, but his election was challenged in court and his Assembly membership was cancelled. I stood by him during those difficult days and encouraged him to remain strong,” he recalled.
Shivakumar further noted that Shivarame Gowda later had to face several other legal and political challenges, yet continued his public life with determination.
Praise for Public Service
The Chief Minister said he had earlier encouraged Shivarame Gowda to establish educational institutions for society, and that he later took the advice seriously.
Today, Shivarame Gowda’s family runs several educational institutions, contributing significantly to society through education.
Quoting the Sanskrit verse “Paropakārāya Phalanti Vṛkṣāḥ…”, Shivakumar said Shivarame Gowda had dedicated his life to public service and social welfare.
Gratitude to Religious Leaders
The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to religious leaders who stood by him during difficult periods in his political career.
Recalling his arrest, Shivakumar said many people hesitated to speak in his support at the time, but Sri Nanjavadhuta Swamiji openly defended him.
“I still remember his words: ‘A lion remains a lion whether it is inside or outside.’ I owe him a debt of gratitude, and I will speak about it on another occasion. We must always remember those who stood by us during difficult times. Without gratitude, we lose our humanity,” he said.
The Chief Minister concluded by wishing Shivarame Gowda good health and many more years of service to society, stating that his political journey continues to inspire future generations of public representatives.
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