Mysuru, 4 June 

Mysuru paid rich tributes to Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar on his birth anniversary, marking the enduring legacy of the Maharaja who ruled from 1902 to 1940. District In-charge Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa hailed the late king's visionary contributions that transformed Mysuru into a model state, attracting attention across India.

Speaking at Kalamandir during the celebrations organised by the District Administration and the Department of Kannada and Culture, Dr Mahadevappa highlighted Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s reforms in education, agriculture, banking, and welfare of the underprivileged. Despite prevailing social evils like untouchability and the Devadasi system, the Maharaja pioneered progress with the establishment of Asia’s first hydroelectric project at Shivanasamudra in 1902, making Mysuru one of the first Asian cities to be lit by streetlights.

The minister lauded his efforts in setting up the University of Mysore, Maharaja’s and Maharani’s Colleges, State Bank of Mysore, and hospitals like Krishnarajendra, Cheluvamba, and PKTB Sanitorium—dedicated in memory of his sisters.

Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi noted that the celebrations aim to educate youth on his life and works. Prof Anitha M S from Vijayanagar Government First Grade College highlighted his role in shaping Bengaluru into Asia’s Silicon Valley.

The day featured a grand procession with a flower-decorated silver chariot and folk performances. MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar distributed ration kits to over 3,500 pourakarmikas on behalf of the royal family.

Celebrations echoed across the city with various organisations honouring the visionary ruler.