CNN-IBN
New Delhi, Nov 26: CNN-IBN TV News Channel has been celebrating 50 years of formation of the southern states through its special series - the Golden South.
As part of the series, CNN-IBN conducted a week-long poll in association with Deccan Herald and Radio City to select the most popular Kannadiga.
Now, the wait is over and results are out for the poll in which over one lakh people participated.
Technocrat-statesman Sir M Vishweshvaraya was voted the most popular Kannadiga with 46 per cent votes.
Popularly known as Sir MV, Vishweshvaraya is known as the architect of old Mysore state. As Dewan of the Mysore kingdom, he led the state through a turbulent period.
His brilliance, efficiency, integrity, love for the people, legendary administrative skills and immense contributions to public life made him a folk hero and a cult figure during his lifetime.
Even though Vishweshvaraya died 44 years ago, his memory is still green in the hearts and minds of millions of Kannadigas. And the poll has proved that the state is still indebted to him.
Vishweshvaraya had no children but his grand niece Shantha Nanjudaiah expressed joy over the poll results. She said it was heartening to know that people across the country still love her grandfather.
"It is not unexpected but in a way surprising. These days people vote for film stars etc. Vishweshvaraya has done a great service to the state. He is remembered for his personal and public integrity and love for people. We are very happy. It is great to be associated with his family and his name," Nanjundaiah says.
Late Kannada super star Rajkumar secured the second place in the popularity chart with 26 per cent votes.
Another great technocrat from Karnataka, Infosys founder N R Narayanamurthy has been voted as the third most popular Kannadiga with 19 per cent votes.
The first chief minister of reorganised Karnataka late S Nijalingappa secured fourth place with 4 per cent votes while Karnataka's greatest cricketer Anil Kumble was voted as the fifth most popular with 3 per cent votes.
Doyenne of Hindustani music Gangubai Hangal was voted as the sixth most popular Kannadiga with 2 per cent votes.