Former PM H D Deve Gowda bereaved

BENGALURU: Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda’s wife Chennamma, who was undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital in the city for chest congestion, passed away on Saturday. She was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday night due to breathing difficulties and chest congestion.

On Friday, her health had fluctuated and she was facing breathing difficulties. However, on Saturday morning, he condition was stable. Husband H D Deve Gowda, sons H D Kumaraswamy, and H D Revanna had visited the hospital. Daughter-in-law Bhavani Revanna had stayed at the hospital overnight.

Union Minister V Somanna, who visited the hospital earlier in the day, said, “Chennamma Deve Gowda is like a mother to me. I started my politics from Deve Gowda’s house. She stood by Deve Gowda and accepted both joys and sorrows equally. Chennamma’s contribution is immense for him becoming Prime Minister”.

The marital life and bond between former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and his wife Chennamma is a mirror for an ideal marriage. From the very beginning of Deve Gowda’s political life, Chennamma stood like a backbone and supported him. She sacrificed her own desires and aspirations for her husband’s success.

In their journey of marriage, there are hundreds of incidents of mutual support and sacrifice. Deve Gowda himself has said in many places that his rise in life began only after he married Chennamma. Chennamma dedicated her entire life to Deve Gowda’s growth. It is also special that during the early days of Deve Gowda’s politics, it was Chennamma herself who supported him in taking his political steps. Chennamma was a devout person who constantly turned to prayers, penance and worship for her husband’s welfare.

After her husband gave up non-vegetarian food, she too gave it up and walked the same path. Chennamma lived with strict discipline, not even eating a single egg, and upheld her vows with devotion. From the day of their marriage till today, she personally took care of Deve Gowda’s meals and hospitality, and cooked for him herself.

Chennamma became the mother of four sons and two daughters, and took on complete responsibility for the family. Coming from a farmer’s family in Haradanahalli, near Holenarasipur in Hassan district, she experienced the hardships and joys of poverty, and stood by Deve Gowda at every step of his achievements to support and encourage him.

When “Dodda Gowdru” was always busy with political affairs, Chennamma ensured that there were no obstacles in terms of home, children, and family, and managed everything with equanimity. Throughout Deve Gowda’s 60 years in politics, Chennamma stood in the background and looked after the family and home.She has the credit of treating the large family and relatives with no discrimination at all. Both Deve Gowda and Chennamma retained their affection for a farmer’s life and rural living even today.