Khadi Shankarappa

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K. Shankarappa (known as Khadi Shankarappa), (1915- April 27, 2005) was one of the senior most freedom fighter and khadi worker of Karnataka. He was based at Shimoga. He started his service for the cause of khadi (cotton) from 1930 onwards in shimoga. He and Mr. S.R.Nagappa shetty another stalwart of the said era jointly started sudarshana khadi nilaya in shimoga. Both of them served the cause of khadi and freedom movement sincerely.

In those days, khadi bhandars were the meeting points of all congressman and freedom fighters. Likewise the freedom movement spread through khadi or sometimes in the guise of khadi, used start in the said sudarshana khadi nilaya concerning malnad districts. It is very relevant to mention here that the khadi caps( popularly known as Gandhi caps) stitched at the sudershana khadi nilaya, shimoga was very popular. Congressman from all corners of the state fond of purchasing and wearing it.

Khadi shankarappa jailed several times. Most of the freedom struggle activity of Mr. Shankarappa was underground. He was a messenger of congress party between different towns of malnad districts. He used to convey messages, distribute handwritten papers, letters and confidential information to the congress workers. He used to sell khadi cloths in the market places of several towns. He was personally stitching the khadi cloths and marketing it.

Because of his association with khadi movement and his selfless service to the movement of khadi, he was recognized as Khadi shankarappa.

After independence, Mr.shankarappa retired from active politics. He served as the manager of shimoga khadi bhandar. He also devoted his attention to the co-operative movement in shimoga district. He died on 27th April 2005 in shimoga at the age of 90 leaving behind his wife smt.sharadamma and three sons and daughters.

Khadi shankarappa has very large following in malnad districts. It is very opt to state here that shankarappa was a moving encyclopedia of freedom movement of karnataka. He had valuable photos and documents pertaining to freedom movement. Later he donated all his belongings to the state archives.

By the death of Mr. Shankarappa, the country lost a very sincere and honest freedom fighter. Mr.shnakarappa had published his memories in his autobiography titled"ANTHARYA" published in the year 1999.