Welcome speech

It is a pleasure to introduce the distinguished guest for today's event. Dr. L. Siddaveere Gowda, is a member of the Union Public Service Commission, Government of India. Dr. Gowda is the first person from the state of Karnataka to hold such a key position in the Government of India. I have known Dr. Gowda since 1971 when I first joined the University of Mysore as a student. Dr. Gowda was already a distinguished teacher and was a role model for motivated students at Manasagangothri, University of Mysore. Dr. Gowda mentored many students who now hold key positions at various colleges and universities in India and abroad. He is one of the most successful persons from our community. He is a scholar, gifted teacher, talented debater, ardent community educator and advocate, and now an eminent administrator. Dr. Gowda has had a brilliant academic career spanning more than three decades as a teacher and researcher at Manasagangothri.

Dr. Gowda was born in Hindalahalli Village near Halli Mysore, Holenarasipura Taluk, Hassan district. After completing his secondary education in a local High School, he went on to study at Saint Philomena's College, Mysore. However, due to family problems, he discontinued the college studies without even completing first year and went back to the village to help his parents. After six years, he continued studies at the First Grade College, Hassan. Despite the prevailing hardships and many adverse conditions of rural environment, Dr. Gowda beat the odds and excelled at all state examinations. He was first rank holder in LS, SSLC, and PUC. He narrowly missed his distinction in B.Sc.

Dr. Gowda received his M.Sc., in Zoology in 1966, from the University of Mysore, with distinction - a First Rank holder and Gold Medalist. In recognition of this distinction, he was appointed as a faculty member in the Department of Zoology, Manasagangothri, University of Mysore, where Dr. Gowda subsequently established himself as an outstanding professor and distinguished researcher. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Mysore for his research work on Drosophila-Genetics and went on to establish his own independent laboratory and mentor several Ph.D. students. In addition to maintaining his scholarly and academic activities at Manasagangothri, Dr. Gowda has been deeply involved in community education. He has given frequent lectures at various colleges and has addressed a variety of scientific, philosophical and social issues on All India Radio.

During the 1980's, he was the most visible and meritorious person eligible for appointment as Vice-Chancellor of a University in Karnataka.. However, it was a disappointment for many of his well-wishers that these appointments were made mainly on community basis and his talent was ignored. But as the saying goes, "Everything happens for a good reason," and for Dr. Gowda, success has come in a big way. In 1996, Dr. Gowda was appointed as a member of the Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi, where he has been serving as a very successful administrator.

Throughout his life, Dr. Gowda has stood for the well-being of our community, inspired many students, and he is continuing to promote the well-being of our community while dedicating his services to the country.

Briefly about his personal life, Dr. Gowda has three very successful sons: the youngest of whom is an Engineer in India, and other two, Dr. Madhu Gowda, host of today's dinner and Mr. Harsha Gowda have settled in this country.

Dr. Gowda is now going to address us for the next 30 to 40 minutes. Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Dr. L. Siddaveere Gowda.

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