Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated the 111th Jayanti celebrations of former Suttur Mutt pontiff Dr Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swamiji at Suttur Mutt, located at the foothills of Chamundi Hill, on Saturday.
The Jayanti programme brought together political leaders, religious heads, public representatives and dignitaries to remember the contributions of Sri Rajendra Swamiji, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, art, literature, religion and social development.
The Chief Minister arrived in Mysuru from Bengaluru by helicopter and landed at the University of Mysore’s Oval Grounds helipad. He was accorded a guard of honour by the District Administration before proceeding to Suttur Mutt for the celebrations.
Dignitaries attend the Jayanti celebrations
The programme was attended by several prominent religious and political leaders.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwar flagged off the JSS Vijnana Vahini during the event. Urban Development Minister and Mysuru District In-charge Minister Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah released the second edition of the book Rajendra Nudinamana.
Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar released a special edition of the Prasada magazine, while Animal Husbandry Minister C. Puttarangashetty released the book Man With Divinity Pujya Rajendra Sri.
Among the religious dignitaries present were Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Siddaganga Mutt Seer Sri Siddalinga Swamiji, Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Mutt Seer Dr Sri Nischalanandanatha Swamiji and Avadhoota Datta Peetham Junior Pontiff Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was also present at the celebrations.
Siddaramaiah recalls Rajendra Swamiji’s contribution
Addressing the gathering, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah paid tribute to Dr Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swamiji and highlighted his contribution to education and social development.
Siddaramaiah particularly recalled the former seer’s efforts to expand education in rural areas by establishing schools in villages.
He said Sri Rajendra Swamiji played an important role in promoting not only education but also art, literature, religion, spirituality and healthcare.
According to Siddaramaiah, the establishment of schools in villages helped spread education and contributed to social reform.
He stressed that education remains a key instrument for bringing about meaningful changes in society.
Siddaramaiah also expressed concern over attempts by vested interests to strengthen caste divisions and perpetuate inequality. He argued that expanding access to education is essential for building a more equitable society.
Shivakumar reiterates commitment to Mekedatu project
During his address at Suttur Mutt, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reiterated the State Government’s commitment to implementing the Mekedatu reservoir project.
The proposed Mekedatu project has remained a major issue in Karnataka’s water and infrastructure policy, particularly because of its implications for the Cauvery river system and the state’s water requirements.
Shivakumar said around 5,400 hectares of forest land would be required for implementing the project.
He stated that the government would provide alternative land to the Forest Department for developing a forest in compensation for the land required for the project.
The Chief Minister also said a separate division would be launched to ensure continuous monitoring of the project.
According to Shivakumar, opposition parties were also in agreement with the decision of the government on the project. He further referred to the Supreme Court’s position on the Mekedatu project and Karnataka’s entitlement to its share of Cauvery water.
The Mekedatu proposal has been closely watched in Karnataka because of the state’s long-standing demand for additional water storage and drinking water infrastructure for Bengaluru and surrounding areas.
At the same time, the project has remained a contentious issue in Karnataka-Tamil Nadu water discussions.
Government plans ‘Tegada Siri Yojane’
The Chief Minister also announced plans to introduce a new initiative called the ‘Tegada Siri Yojane’ to encourage teak plantation among farmers.
Under the proposed scheme, government land located in front of agricultural fields would be used for teak plantation.
Shivakumar said teak has considerable financial value and claimed that it could fetch as much as ₹7,500 per cubic foot.
The proposal is aimed at encouraging farmers to participate in plantation activities while creating a potential source of long-term income.
Teak is a commercially valuable timber species and takes several years to mature. The government’s proposed approach would therefore combine plantation activity with the possibility of future financial returns for farmers.
The announcement at Suttur Mutt added an environmental and agricultural dimension to the Chief Minister’s address, which otherwise focused substantially on the Mekedatu project and the legacy of Sri Rajendra Swamiji.
JSS Vijnana Vahini flagged off
Another important event during the celebrations was the flagging off of the JSS Vijnana Vahini by Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwar.
The initiative reflects the broader emphasis on education and scientific awareness associated with the JSS institutions.
The event was held as part of the celebrations commemorating Sri Rajendra Swamiji, whose legacy is closely associated with the expansion of educational institutions and social initiatives.
The release of publications dedicated to his life and contributions further highlighted the focus of the Jayanti celebrations.
The second edition of Rajendra Nudinamana and the book Man With Divinity Pujya Rajendra Sri were released during the programme, while a special edition of the Prasada magazine was also unveiled.
Religious leaders and elected representatives attend
The gathering reflected the prominent position of Suttur Mutt in Karnataka’s social and religious landscape.
The presence of seers from several major mutts, along with senior political leaders, brought together different sections of Karnataka’s public life at the Jayanti celebrations.
Among the elected representatives present were Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar and several MLAs, including T.S. Srivatsa, Tanveer Sait, G.T. Devegowda, A.R. Krishnamurthy, G.D. Harish Gowda, H.M. Ganesh Prasad, D. Ravishankar and Darshan Dhruvanarayan.
Former Tumakuru Deputy Commissioner Dr C. Somashekar and other dignitaries were also present.
The participation of representatives from different political and social backgrounds added significance to the annual commemoration.
Remembering a legacy of education and social service
The Jayanti celebrations provided an opportunity to remember the work of Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swamiji, particularly his contribution to education.
His efforts to establish educational institutions in rural areas have been highlighted as a major part of his legacy.
The emphasis on village education is particularly significant in the context of Karnataka’s social development, where access to quality education has historically been uneven between urban and rural communities.
The leaders attending the event used the occasion to underline the continuing importance of education, social responsibility and public service.
Siddaramaiah’s address placed education at the centre of social transformation, while the presence of senior leaders and religious heads demonstrated the continued importance of the Suttur Mutt’s educational and social initiatives.
Suttur Mutt remains an important centre in Karnataka
Located near Mysuru, Suttur Mutt has played an important role in education, healthcare, spirituality and social service.
Its institutions have expanded across different parts of Karnataka and have contributed to providing educational and healthcare facilities to communities.
The annual Jayanti celebrations of Sri Rajendra Swamiji therefore attract political leaders, religious figures and members of the public.
The 111th Jayanti was no exception, bringing together senior leaders and dignitaries at the mutt for a programme that combined remembrance, publication releases, public initiatives and political announcements.
Focus on education, environment and development
The proceedings at Suttur Mutt brought together several themes relevant to Karnataka’s development.
Education remained central to the discussion, with leaders recalling Sri Rajendra Swamiji’s efforts to expand educational opportunities.
Environmental concerns featured in the Chief Minister’s announcement regarding teak plantation, while the Mekedatu project brought water management and infrastructure to the forefront.
The combination of these subjects reflected the broader challenges facing Karnataka, where the government is balancing economic development, natural resources, agricultural interests and social welfare.
The Chief Minister’s remarks on Mekedatu also underscored the continuing political importance of water infrastructure in the State.
Conclusion
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated the 111th Jayanti celebrations of former Suttur Mutt pontiff Dr Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swamiji at Suttur Mutt in Mysuru on August 29. The event was attended by senior political leaders, religious heads and public representatives.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah praised Sri Rajendra Swamiji’s contribution to rural education and social reform, highlighting his work in education, healthcare, art, literature, religion and spirituality.
During the event, Shivakumar reiterated the State Government’s commitment to the Mekedatu reservoir project and said around 5,400 hectares of forest land would be required, with alternative land proposed for afforestation. He also announced plans for the ‘Tegada Siri Yojane’ to encourage teak plantation among farmers.
The celebrations also featured the flagging off of the JSS Vijnana Vahini and the release of books and a special edition of the Prasada magazine.
The event ultimately combined a tribute to Sri Rajendra Swamiji’s educational legacy with discussions on Karnataka’s development priorities, including water infrastructure, agriculture, environmental initiatives and social progress.