Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar offering floral tributes to a portrait of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar on the occasion of his birth anniversary celebrations at Kalamandira in Mysuru on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Mysuru and Kodagu MP, on Thursday, said that irrespective of religion or personal beliefs, people should cultivate mutual respect and a spirit of service.Inaugurating the Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Jayanti celebrations organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture, the district administration, Mysuru City Corporation and the Jayanti Celebration Committee at Kalamandira, he said the values embodied by the erstwhile Mysore ruler remain relevant even today.Mr. Wadiyar noted that the Department of Kannada and Culture has been commemorating the birth anniversary of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar for the past decade and stressed the need for greater efforts to familiarise society with his achievements and contributions.Observing that Karnataka’s emergence as a progressive State was the result of the vision and commitment of several leaders, he said Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s role was among the most significant. “It is our duty to remember his achievements,” he said.Building a developed Karnataka on the lines of the “Golden Mysore” envisioned by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar would be the most fitting tribute to the legendary ruler, he added, urging citizens to carry forward his ideals and values.Speaking on the occasion, retired principal and author Siddaswamy said the Maharaja, who received an honorary doctorate from Banaras Hindu University, said the Representative Assembly introduced during the reign of Chamaraja Wadiyar X was strengthened when Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar established the Legislative Council in 1907.Describing the Maharaja’s contributions as immense, Siddaswamy said his birth anniversary should be celebrated as a people’s festival across Mysuru and Karnataka.C.N. Manjegowda, MLC, said Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar had accorded special importance to women’s empowerment. Recalling the construction of the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam, he said the ruler’s commitment and sacrifice played a crucial role in overcoming financial hurdles and ensuring the completion of the landmark project.He said generations in Mysuru and Mandya continue to benefit from the waters of the Cauvery owing to the efforts of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and M. Visvesvaraya, and urged people to honour their legacy.Highlighting the ruler’s humility, the MLC said that despite implementing major developmental and industrial projects, the Maharaja refrained from attaching his own name to them and instead recognised the contributions of M. Visvesvaraya.On the occasion, the Rajarshi Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Awards for the year 2026 were presented to 29 achievers, including Laiqh A. Khan, city editor, The Hindu, Mysuru, and three other mediapersons.Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, and other officials from the department were present.Earlier, an attractive procession was taken out through the city as part of the Jayanti celebrations, with cultural troupes, folk artistes and members of various organisations participating. Published - June 04, 2026 07:28 pm IST
