Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations, on Sunday, was marked by the release of Kannada matinee idol late Rajkumar’s stamp brought out by the Indian Postal Department. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa released the stamp at a function organised by the Information Department in Bangalore. Rajkumar is the first film personality in the State and the 31st in the country to have this honour. The Postal Department has brought stamps in memory of 40 Kannadigas, who excelled in various fields including M Visvesvaraya, C V Raman, Kuvempu, Shivarama Karanth. Chief Postmaster General (Karnataka Circle) M P Rajan said that stamp priced at Rs 5 would be available in all post offices in the State from November 3. Stamps would be available for sales for about six months. The Chief Minister appreciated the Centre for bringing out the stamp in recognition of Rajkumar’s contribution to the Kannada filmdom. The State government of Karnataka had spent Rs 3 crore so far for the construction of Raj’s memorial in Bangalore. The second phase of construction would kickstart soon. He said Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has allotted 2.5 acres of land in Nandini Layout for the construction of Amrutha Mahotsava Bhavan, which would house a library and other offices related to film activities. A low-key affair In another function organised by the Department of Public Instruction, B S Yeddyurappa appealed to the Centre to ensure that Kannada language was accorded all facilities, as other languages with classical language status. The Centre should not test patience of Kannadigas in this regard. Join discussion...