Mysuru: Former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader S. M. Krishna inaugurated the world-famous Mysuru Dasara 2021 at Chamundi Hills here on Thursday October 7. He offered special puja to the presiding deity, Goddess Chamundeshwari before the inauguration.
Addressing the gathering, Krishna said, “I prayed to Goddess to help the country to get rid of Coronavirus. I thank the Chief Minister for giving me a chance to inaugurate this year’s Dasara. I would like to mention that I got a chance to work with his father S. R. Bommai.”
The senior BJP leader recalled his early days in Mysuru and said that Mysuru has a lot to do with his growth over the years. “There were days when Dasara used to be at its best. I have had the privilege to witness some glorious days during Dasara. Pitilu Chowdaiah and many famous musicians would be part of the cultural programmes. The wrestling competition also used to be a major attraction,” Krishna said, “Thousands of people used to watch Mysuru Dasara Exhibition. Those were some of the unforgettable moments.”
The veteran leader said, “Mysuru kings struggled a lot to make Dasara a ‘Naada Habba.’ Right from Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar and his successors gave a different dimension to Dasara. Sir M Visvesaraya gave a different meaning to Dasara. I remember those days when we used to walk to Chamundi Hills every month. Those were the day.”
He said, “Like last year, this year’s Dasara will be simple due to the pandemic situation. Dasara has 800-year rich history. It was Vijayanagara kings who started the Dasara and have become part of history. Dasara has undergone a lot of changes over the years.”
Krishna mentioned that Mahatma Gandhi came to Mysuru in 1934. “He was happy to see students from backward classes studying along with others.” He added, “Royal family’s contribution to constructing KRS Reservoir can’t be forgotten. We may have opposed monarchy, but we can’t sidestep their contribution to the state. We need to remember the past to move forward.”
The veteran leader added, “The country is on the road to development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is dreaming big and is also working hard to realise it.”
He said, “We need to develop package tourism for Mysuru Dasara. This will help the state in the long run.”
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and his wife Chennamma were felicitated with mementos.
