Congress MLC B.S. Shivanna has urged the government of Karnataka to have this year’s world-famous Mysuru Dasara inaugurated by a pourakarmika (municipal sanitation worker) in recognition of the invaluable contribution in keeping cities clean and healthy.

In a letter addressed to Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who is also the Mysuru district in-charge minister, Mr. Shivanna noted that the Dasara festival has traditionally been inaugurated by eminent personalities, including Kannada litterateurs, political leaders, spiritual figures and philanthropists. This year, he said, the honour should be bestowed on a pourakarmika to acknowledge their dedicated public service.

Describing sanitation workers as ‘pourasenanis’ (civic warriors), Mr. Shivanna said they are among the most indispensable yet least recognised contributors to urban life. They perform critical public health, environmental and civic functions that enable cities to function efficiently, and their role has become even more significant with rapid urbanisation, and the growing challenge of solid waste management.

He said pourakarmikas form the first line of defence against disease by sweeping roads, clearing drains, collecting and transporting waste, and maintaining public spaces. Their work directly contributes to cleaner, healthier and more liveable cities, he added.

Recalling that the 2022 Mysuru Dasara was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, who offered floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi Hills, Mr. Shivanna said inviting a pourakarmika to inaugurate this year’s festivities would send a powerful message of dignity, social inclusion, and respect for marginalised communities.

Earlier, he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting that the Ayodhya Ram temple be inaugurated by a pourakarmika, or President of India should be the son or daughter of a sanitation worker as a symbolic tribute to their service.

The Congress leader has organised health camps for pourakarmikas and distributed laptops to their children pursuing higher education.