Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar jayanti celebrated in Mandya

Mandya: The vision, commitment to education and dedication to social justice demonstrated by Mysuru maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar continue to inspire generations of youth, said additional deputy commissioner BC Shivanandamurthy on Thursday. He was speaking after inaugurating the Rajarshi Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Jayanti celebrations organised by the district administration and the department of Kannada and Culture at Dr BR Ambedkar Bhavan in Mandya.

Describing the maharaja as the architect of the modern state, Shivanandamurthy said he had transformed the region through far-sighted initiatives in agriculture, education, industry and social welfare. He noted that the construction of the KRS dam provided irrigation facilities to farmers in Mysuru, Mandya and neighbouring districts, greatly benefiting agriculture.

The ADC also highlighted the establishment of Shivanasamudra hydroelectric project, Asia's first hydroelectric power station, which ushered in electrification and industrial growth in the state. “The maharaja founded the University of Mysore, introduced free education for women and implemented progressive measures to ensure educational opportunities for all sections of society. His administration also promoted social justice through reservations and welfare programmes for backward communities,” he added.

Delivering the keynote address, Nischalanandanatha Swami of Vishwa Vokkaliga Mahasamsthana Mutt, Bengaluru, said that the maharaja was a pioneer of social justice. He recalled that the Miller commission, constituted in 1918 under Sir Leslie Miller, paved the way for reservation policies aimed at empowering backward classes.

Writer M Ramakrishna highlighted the ruler's contributions to industrial development through the establishment of the Bhadravathi Iron and Steel Factory, Mysore Sandal Soap factory and Mysore paper mills.

Earlier, a colourful procession was flagged off from the DC's office to the Ambedkar Bhavan.