BELLARY, FEB. 10: “Bellary in particular and Karnataka in general lost a noble soul and a secular leader of great stature”, said Bishop of Bellary Henry D’Souza.
Bishop D’Souza was condoling the death of former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash who died at a private hospital in Bangalore Feb. 9 after a prolonged illness. He was suffering from cancer.
“MP Prakash was a friend of the poor and he endeared himself to all sections of the society. He was a good friend of our predecessors”, Bishop added.
“Late MP Prakash was a pillar of strength to the Carmelite Fathers and Assisi Sisters serving in Hadagali,” recalled Bishop.
He was a five-time MLA and once a MLC.
71-year-old Prakash was a writer, theatre personality and social activist, besides being a prominent face of Karnataka politics since the 1980s.
A prominent Lingayat leader, Prakash had also authored many books.
His funeral will take place in his home town Hoovina Hadagali in Bellary district.
All schools and colleges in Bellary district would remain closed today as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
He is survived by wife, a son and three daughters. May his soul reset in peace.
The Shrine of Bellary Arogya Mathe was blessed and dedicated on 8th September 2000 on the feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother Mary in memory of the great jubilee 2000 and the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Bellary