Mysore/Mysuru: At last, the project to install the statue of former Chief Minister late D. Devaraj Urs took a significant step forward today. 

Bhoomi Puja was performed for the installation of the statue at the new Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Siddarthanagar jointly by MLA Tanveer Sait, MLC A.H. Vishwanath, DC Dr. K.V. Rajendra and Congress leader Suraj Hegde, the grandson of late D. Devaraj Urs.

This statue project is a collaborative effort between the district administration and the Kannada and Culture Department, at an estimated cost of Rs. 92 lakh.

The statue will stand at 12 feet tall, sculpted from black granite by Mysuru’s renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj and his elder brother Suryaprakash Yogiraj.

Arun Yogiraj gained national and international recognition for sculpting the Balak Ram statue consecrated at Ayodhya.

Initially, the plan was to install Urs statue at the junction of D. Devaraj Urs Road and JLB Road. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the execution of this plan was delayed. 

Addressing the gathering, MLA Tanveer Sait expressed the fulfilment of the long-standing aspirations of the people of the Old Mysuru region to witness a statue honouring their leader who hailed from Mysuru.

“Beyond his regional roots, Devaraj Urs remains a towering figure in the annals of Karnataka’s history, revered for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of all segments of society. His efforts towards fostering an egalitarian society, ensuring equal opportunities for all, are unparalleled,” Tanveer Sait said.

“It is undeniable that Urs laid the groundwork for providing social benefits to the underprivileged and marginalised sections of society,” Sait remarked.

Highlighting the historical significance of Devaraj Urs’ contributions, it is worth noting that it was he who renamed Mysuru State as Karnataka fifty years ago. In a remarkable coincidence, the unveiling of the statue of Urs comes during ‘Suvarna Sambhrama’ celebrations. 

Reflecting on Urs’ enduring legacy, Sait recalled the renaming of the road stretching from K.R. Circle to JLB Road as D. Devaraj Urs Road in 1978 — a thoroughfare that has since become one of the busiest in city.

 Credit for this project goes to CM Siddaramaiah and District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa. The statue inauguration is slated either during Urs’ death anniversary in June or his birth anniversary in August, Sait said.

Despite the simplicity of today’s Bhoomi Puja ceremony, conducted in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and the Model Code of Conduct likely to be enforced soon, Sait assured that the statue’s inauguration would be a grand affair with the presence of beneficiaries of schemes launched by Urs.

MLC A.H. Vishwanath reminisced about how Devaraj Urs played a pivotal role in shaping his political career. Describing Urs as a beacon of hope hailing from the remote village of Kallahalli in Hunsur taluk, Vishwanath attributed to him and the Congress party the pioneering efforts in sowing the seeds of social justice in India.

Highlighting the late CM’s remarkable initiatives, he noted that under his ‘Uluvavane Odeya’ (tiller is the owner of land) initiative, 30 lakh acres of land were distributed to the landless. Even today, many families regard Urs as their deity, underscoring his enduring legacy.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. K.V. Rajendra read out the message sent by District Minister Dr. Mahadevappa, who was unable to attend the event. Among the dignitaries present were ZP CEO K.M. Gayathri, Additional DC Shivaraju, Kannada and Culture Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, Assistant Director Sudarshan, former Mayors Purushotham and Dakshina Murthy, B.S. Sridhar Raje Urs, Prof. P.V. Nanjaraj Urs, City Congress President R. Murthy, Statue Installation Samiti President Zakir Hussain, Congress leader Dairy Venkatesh and former District Kannada Sahitya Parishat Presidents M. Chandrashekar and Y.D. Rajanna.

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Mysore/Mysuru: The District Administration, along with the Department of Kannada and Culture, as part of Kannada Sambrahma-50, has organised a function to lay the foundation stone for the installation of former Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs statue in city tomorrow.

The foundation stone will be laid by District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the New Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Siddarthanagar at 9.30 am. MLA Tanveer Sait will preside.

Kannada and Culture and Backward Classes Welfare Department Minister Shivaraj S. Tangadagi and Animal Husbandry and Sericulture Minister K. Venkatesh will be present.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, Chamarajanagar MP V. Sreenivasa Prasad, Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambarish, MLAs Tanveer Sait, G.T. Devegowda, D. Ravishankar, G.D. Harish Gowda, Darshan Dhruvanarayan  and T.S. Srivatsa, MLCs Marithibbegowda, A.H. Vishwanath, Dr. D. Thimmaiah, C.N. Manjegowda and Madhu G. Madegowda will be the chief guests, according to

a press release from the Assistant Director of the Kannada and Culture Department.

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Mysore/Mysuru: The District Administration in association with Sri Shivayogi Jayanthyotsava Samithi and Department of Kannada and Culture has organised Sri Shivayogi Siddarameshwara Jayanthi celebrations on Feb.12 at Kirurangamandira, Kalamandira premises in city.

At 11.30 am on that day, District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa will inaugurate the programme in the presence of Bhovi Gurupeetha Seer of Chitradurga and Bagalkote Sri Immadi  Siddarameshwara Swamiji. Chamaraja MLA K. Harishgowda will preside.

Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh and Chairman of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Anil Chikkamadu will also be present.

MPs V. Sreenivasa Prasad, Sumalatha Ambarish and Pratap Simmha will be the chief guests.

MLAs Tanveer Sait, G.T. Dev-egowda, G.D. Harishgowda, D. Ravishankar, Darshan Dhru-vanarayan, T.S. Srivatsa and MLCs Marithibbegowda, A.H. Vishwanath, Dr. D. Thimmaiah, C.N. Manjegowda, Madhu G. Madegowda will also be present as chief guests.

Retired Director of Oriental Research Institute (ORI) Prof. S. Shivarajappa will be the main speaker at the programme, according to a press release from the Assistant Director of Kannada and Culture Department.

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Mysore/Mysuru: The 139th Foundation Day of Congress party was celebrated at Congress Bhavan near Railway Station in city this  morning.

Social Welfare and District In-charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, who took part in the Foundation Day celebrations said “Congress believes in bringing people together, like how the fight against British colonial rule was shaped and former Prime Minister late Jawaharlal Nehru framed policies with scientific application of mind to enable people build a healthy life with better education. Economic self-sustenance, expansion of irrigated areas contributing to significant rise in food production were also Nehru’s contributions to the country.”

“However, now political parties are indulging in religious terrorism, but the job of parties should be to eradicate communalism and dictatorship. The people should be brought together and democracy and Constitution should be strengthened,” he added.

Speaking to media persons later, Dr. Mahadevappa dismissed the possibilities of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge contesting the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls from Chamarajanagar (SC reserve) Constituency. But if a national leader makes mind to contest from here, it is a matter of happiness. If they (AICC President) wish, they can contest from anywhere, he added.

Earlier, Congress party workers, waving national flag, took out a rally organised as part of Foundation Day from Ramaswamy Circle to party Office. A troupe of artistes dressed in dhoti and kurta, wearing Mysore Peta and playing saxophone, beating drums and cymbal were also a part of the rally.

After reaching party office, Congress Seva Dal workers hoisted the national flag and administered oath to the gathering.

City Congress President R. Murthy, Mysuru District Congress Rural Committee President Dr. B.J. Vijaykumar, former MP Kagalawadi Shivanna, former ZP Presidents B.M. Ramu and Latha Siddashetty, former Mayor Pushpalatha Chikkanna and others were present.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddharamaiah said that he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi recently and sought immediate drought relief funds and also quick clearance for key irrigation projects of the State such as Mekedatu, Mahadayi and Upper Bhadra.

Speaking to presspersons on his arrival at Mandakalli Airport in Mysuru this morning, Siddharamaiah,  who wore mask in keeping with health guidelines in the wake of new COVID variant, replied to a question on whether he got a positive response from Modi on drought relief funds.

He said that he has apprised the PM and the Union Home Minister on the severe drought that has hit the State. “But I cannot say whether the PM is totally convinced about my plea. The PM has said that he would talk to the authorities concerned to look into the issues raised by me,” adding he was hopeful of the Centre’s positive response.

Referring to the expulsion of a large number of Opposition MPs from the Parliament on Vice-President  Jagdeep Dhankar row amidst the crucial winter session of the Parliament, which also may be the last one before next year’s Lok Sabha polls, Siddharamaiah said it was a ‘murder of democracy.’

Wondering whether there was democracy at all in the country in the first place, Siddu said “The people have elected the MPs to represent them in Parliament and find solutions to their problems and grievances. But the Government, instead of giving a patient hearing to the Opposition MPs, has thrown them out of the Parliament with a selfish motive. What is more concerning is that the Union Government has passed many key bills in the absence of Opposition MPs and sans any debate on the bills and amendments that are proposed by the Government.”

Maintaining that the expulsion of Opposition MPs was a blot on democracy, the CM said that the people are watching the actions of the Centre and will take a right decision in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Reacting on the I.N.D.I.A bloc’s proposal to project AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, who is from Karnataka as its Prime Minister face, Siddharamaiah said that it is only a suggestion. However, the I.N.D.I.A bloc leaders will decide on the choice of the PM after the LS poll results, he said.

District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, MLA D. Ravishankar, City Congress President R. Murthy, District President Dr. B.J. Vijaykumar, KPCC Women’s Wing State President Dr. Pushpa Amarnath, former MLA M.K. Somashekar, Congress leaders K. Marigowda, Nazarbad Nataraj, Shivanna and others were present.

Govt. taking all measures to check spread of virus

Replying to a question on the new COVID variant JN.1 causing a scare in the State, the CM said that according to reports, six people who were facing health issues, have tested positive for the virus. “There is no reason for the public to panic as the Government is taking all precautionary measures. The People should be safe and not get scared,” he said adding that his Government is taking all necessary measures to check the spread of the virus and has launched awareness campaigns across the State.

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Mysore/Mysuru: The Brand Mysuru Fest, to be held on Jan. 26, 27 and 28, 2024, at the Open Air Theatre in Manasagangothri campus, promises to be a vibrant celebration, uniting locals and visitors alike in a joyous exploration of Mysuru region’s rich cultural tapestry and global allure.

Announcing this during a meeting at Jaladarshini Guest House in city last evening, Mysuru District In-charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa highlighted Mysuru’s global reputation and brand value. 

To effectively promote Mysuru’s brand value, the logo and taglines must be extensively used to promote Mysuru’s picturesque attractions and famous products. To showcase the cultural beauty, heritage, tourism potential and pride of Mysuru, he announced that all Government organisations in the district, aided institutions and private sectors will extensively use the newly unveiled logo with the tagline ‘Our Heritage, Your Destination’ and mascot ‘Gajju.’

Deputy Commissioner Dr. K.V. Rajendra, who also spoke, outlined the diverse cultural programmes planned for Brand Mysuru Fest, including ‘Nagari’, ‘Dollu’ and ‘Bharatanatyam’ performances by top art troupes portraying Mysuru’s rich heritage. The event will also feature ‘Chitrasanthe’ for both children and adults, a flea market and a food fair selling globally renowned local products of Mysuru under one roof. Other attractions include a fashion show, kite festival and rock band performances.

To ensure a seamless experience for tourists and spectators, Dr. Rajendra emphasised the importance of a proper parking system, public toilet facilities and round-the-clock cleanliness at the event venue.

Joint Director of Tourism Department M.K. Savitha highlighted the initiative to promote Mysuru tourism through the use of the logo, mascot and souvenirs released in the Brand Mysuru competition.

Identified locations for the installation of Mysuru’s new logo and mascot ‘Gajju’ include Police barricades, signal boards and Police chowkis.

The meeting was attended by prominent District-level officials and stakeholders, including Superintendent of Police Seema Latkar, Commissioner of Mysuru Urban Development Authority G.T. Dinesh Kumar, Commissioner of Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage A. Devaraju, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) M. Muthuraj, Assistant Director of Department of Information and Public Relations T.K. Harish Kumar, Mysore Palace Board Deputy                                                         Director T.S. Subramanya, President of Mysuru Hotel Owners Association C. Narayanagowda, President of Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry K.B. Lingaraju, President of Federation of Organisations and Associations of Mysuru (FOAM) B.S. Prashanth, Mysore Merchants Association President Anand, Mysore Travels Association President J.P. Urs, Javaji Hotel Group’s J. Bapuji and others.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Social Welfare and District In-charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa said “The millets grown in organic farming method that ensure nutritious diet have proven helpful in finding  solutions to the present health-related issues.”

He was speaking after inaugurating three-day Siridhanya Sambhrama,  The Millet Diversity Festival (Millet Mela),  organised by Sahaja Samrudha in association with Department of Agriculture, SWISSAID and Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBl), under the CROPS4HD (Consumption of Resilient Orphan Crops for Healthier Diets) Project, at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry in city yesterday.

Emphasising on the signi-ficance of organic farming and millets cultivation, Dr. Maha-devappa said “Owing to demand from people, the Government is encouraging organic farming method and cultivation of millets. Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture have been providing subsidy to grow millets in organic farming method in 10,000 acres in every district. The farmers should come forward to grow millets without using fertilisers rich in chemicals. The Government has also chalked out programmes for stocking, processing and market for millets. The organisations and farmer associations should also encourage organic farming and create awareness.”

Millets can also be grown in arid lands with less water facility. Millets which are even environment and health oriented are beneficial for the next generation. As International Year of Millets is being observed, the Self-Help Groups (SHG), Farmers Producer Company and farmers involved in conservation of millet species should encourage the cultivation of millets, he said.

Film actor Akshatha Panda-vapura released the book ‘Poushtika Paka’ brought out by Sahaja Samrudha. Joint Director of Agriculture Dr. B.S. Chandrashekar, Millet Conservator from Belagavi Praveen Hebballi, Director of Devdanya Farmers Producer Company Savithri Kodli, Millet Conservator from Haveri  Veerabhadraiah Hiremath, Director of Sahaja Samrudha G. Krishna Prasad, Anitha Reddy, K.S. Manju of Sahaja Seeds and others were present. The Millet Mela is open to public today and tomorrow from 10 am to 8 pm.

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Chennakeshava Temple at Somanathapura in T. Narasipur to be main attraction

Mysore/Mysuru: The annual Mysore Palace Flower Show conducted every winter that sees major attendance will be held from Dec. 22 to Dec. 31 this year.

The Flower Show, a combination of symbols and imagery from natural, historical, religious, technological and current affairs will be inaugurated by Mysuru District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa in the presence of Chief Minister Siddharamaiah and other dignitaries at 5 pm on Dec. 22.

In 2022, destination management company Indian Holiday Private Limited (IHPL) listed the Mysore Palace Flower Show, conducted annually by the Palace Board in December, among ‘Five Must-Visit Winter Flower Shows in India.’

This year, over 25,000 flowering plants from 35 species will be on display and a whopping 4 lakh flowers will be spread around the Flower Show area against the imposing backdrop of the illuminated Palace.

The Show will be open for public from 10 am to 9 pm and the entry will be free.

To facilitate smooth conduct of the Winter Flower Show, Sound and Light Show at the Palace between 7 pm and 8 pm has been suspended from Dec. 18 till Jan. 4, 2024, said Mysore Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya

 In a media release, Subramanya has stated that visitors can explore 25,000 decorative flower pots featuring marigold, salvia, dahlia, petunia, chrysanthemum, coleus, silosia, nasturtiums, antirrhinum, bonsai plants and more. They can witness the magic of approximately 4 lakh flowers, including roses, chrysanthemums, ping pong, carnations, gerbera, anthurium, orchids, blue daisies and others.

This year, the floral replica (50 ft wide, 28 ft long and 28 ft high) of the Chennakeshava Temple in Somanathapura (in T. Narasipur taluk of Mysuru) will be the main attraction. The Chennakeshava Temple, a remarkable piece of 12th-century Hoysala architecture, was granted the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site tag.

Visitors can marvel at creative floral displays like the Karnataka State map, Hampi stone chariot and more adorned with vibrant flowers. In addition, they can experience the elegance of historical figures like Maharani Vanivilasa Sannidhana, Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar in flower-decked models.

People can enjoy thematic displays, including a woman carrying a basket of vegetables and fruits, a tribute to Dr. Rajkumar with a floral display of him tilling the field with a traditional plough and oxen, a model of an old Jataka horse and many more. Selfie points featuring unique models, including the Preamble of the Constitution, vegetable carvings, heart-shaped photo points and cartoon-style caricatures for children will be special attractions.

Apart from the vertical garden in Varaha Park, there will be distribution of medicinal plants like aloe vera, tulsi, jasmine, betel leaf and chakramuni to visitors. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural programmes from 7 pm to 9 pm in the Palace premises and also witness the electric lighting system enhancing the Palace’s elegance.

On Dec. 31, the Police Band will perform the Karnataka and English Bands from 11 pm to 12 am. The New Year celebration will be held from 12 am to 12.15 am, featuring a spectacular green cracker fireworks display.

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Mysore/Mysuru: “Only education can ensure a bright future for everyone,” opined Minister for Social Welfare and District Incharge Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa.

He was speaking after inaugurating a free mentorship programme titled ‘Sanmarga’ for the students of AKKA Academy Government Hostel PU students who want to take up competitive examinations like CLAT, NEET, JEE and CUET at BM Sri auditorium, Manasagangothri, in the city recently.

“The life of those with better education will be good. Education is an asset to everybody which can yield good returns throughout our life and hence everyone must try to get good education to lead a successful life,”  he said.

“Make use of the facilities being provided by the Government and become achievers. Because of globalisation, liberalisation and privatisation there is competition everywhere which demands pro-activeness, strong discipline and perseverance to acquire the required knowledge. Added to this, good training and mentorship are also essential  to excel in competitive examinations,” added the Minister.

Stating that students used to pride themselves for passing out in second class during his time, Dr. Mahadevappa said that times have changed now and everyone wants to score 95% which has intensified the competition. Because of this, teachers and mentors should be the source of inspiration for students to achieve highest success in competitive examinations, concluded Minister Dr. Mahadevappa.

Founder Director of AKKA Academy Shivakumar, who also spoke at the programme, said “The ‘Sanmarga’ programme being organised by our Academy is being held for PU hostel students on holidays and evenings. For this, 50 selfless resourceful persons have associated with the programme to train the students.”

Basavaraju Devanuru, Advisor, Dr. B. R.  Ambedkar Research and Extension Centre, S. Tukaram Advisor to Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions, retired KAS officer S. Premkumar, writer Shankanapura   and others were present on the occasion.

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Anti-constitutional, says Dr. Mahadevappa, Priyank Kharge says wait for one year, D.K. Shivakumar more diplomatic

Mysuru/Bengaluru: Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy’s (NRN)  recent stance against Congress Government freebies has ignited a contentious discussion, drawing opposition from Ministers in Karnataka.

Addressing the 26th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023, Murthy advocated for a new approach, stating that “nothing should be given free.” He proposed that individuals benefiting from Government services and subsidies should actively contribute to the improvement of society.

While championing capitalism as the primary solution for India’s economic advancement, Murthy clarified that he was not against providing essential services for free, particularly for the economically disadvantaged.

However, Murthy’s comments faced criticism from the Government, which had promised extensive freebies to the masses upon assuming power, even though the schemes remained partially implemented.

Social Welfare Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, also the Mysuru District Minister, expressed discontent with Murthy’s remarks, suggesting that they contradicted constitutional principles of social justice.

“Narayana Murthy, who has raised questions about the schemes, appears to be against the ideals of social justice and has made anti-Constitutional remarks. Why Narayana Murthy did not question Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the loans of a few industrialists were waived. The guarantee schemes were helping a total of 1.32 crore families move towards self-reliance,” he claimed.

 “If Narayana Murthy could have questioned Modi and asked for the money to be used for the country’s development and agriculture or given it to the poor to remove poverty, we could have complimented him and said he was in favour of the Constitution’s aspirations. Murthy’s stand against giving any benefits to the poor is highly condemnable. It is against the true spirit of the Indian Constitution”,  Mahadevappa said.

In response to Murthy’s call for compassionate capitalism, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, IT & BT Minister Priyank Kharge argued that only a few companies truly embodied it, questioning the need for the Corporate Social Responsibility (Amendment) Act if compassionate capitalism was prevalent.

Kharge further countered Murthy’s views on the poverty index, defending Universal Basic Income and highlighting the success of Government guarantee schemes, such as the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which garnered over one crore registrations. Noting that the Government had rolled out the guarantee scheme just a few months ago, Kharge said that those who criticise the schemes should wait at least one full financial cycle.

Kannada and Culture Minister Shivraj Tangadagi in Koppal dismissed opposition to guarantee schemes, emphasising their focus on aiding the poor, particularly daily wage labourers and the working poor.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar struck a more diplomatic tone, acknowledging Murthy’s suggestions for development while emphasizing the Government’s role in protecting the interests of farmers and the poor amid economic challenges, including rising fuel prices.

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