The Tipu Sultan Art and Cultural Trust has condemned the State and Union governments for ignoring Tipu Sultan’s contribution to the struggle against British colonialism. The trust has urged the State and the Centre to celebrate Tipu Sultan Jayanti on November 20 every year, and declare it a public holiday.

Speaking at the 214th death anniversary of Tipu Sultan here on Saturday, trust president Irshad Ahmad Bisti said Tipu Sultan was one of the most neglected icons of the freedom struggle. He was a national leader who should be venerated by all regardless of caste, creed or faith, he said.

Mr. Bisti said it was a pity that some people with communal leanings were trying to defame Tipu Sultan and project him as a fanatic.

The trust had been fighting to make sure that Tipu Sultan received the recognition he deserved.

The trust wanted Tipu Sultan Jayanti to be celebrated as a State function, and had demanded that a train be named after him, and a memorial built in Hubli and Dharwad.

It said it submitted several memoranda to Governor H.R. Bhardwaj and Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, but there was no favourable response, Mr. Bisti said.

If action was not taken, the trust, in association with like-minded organisations, would intensify the struggle, Mr. Bisti added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Dharwad – December 05th, 2013