Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, on Wednesday, praised the monumental legacy of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, hailing him as the architect of Mysuru’s development. Speaking at Kalamandir during his birth anniversary celebrations jointly organised by the district administration and Kannada and Culture Department, Mahadevappa credited the Maharaja for transforming Mysuru into a model city through far-sighted governance and inclusive reforms.

He highlighted how the Maharaja empowered marginalised communities, strengthened sectors like education, agriculture, and banking, and initiated major infrastructure projects. Mahadevappa lauded his administrative excellence, humility, and forward-thinking. Notably, Mysuru became one of the first cities in Asia to have streetlights under his reign.

Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s focus on industrialisation fostered economic growth and job creation. His contributions include founding the University of Mysore and State Bank of Mysore, and improving healthcare with institutions like Krishnarajendra Hospital, Cheluvamba Hospital, and PKTB Sanatorium—established in memory of his sisters lost to tuberculosis.

Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi emphasized that celebrating the Maharaja’s legacy helps inspire younger generations. The event also featured a vibrant procession with folk art performances and a silver chariot carrying his portrait from Kote Anjaneya Temple to Kalamandir.

MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, representing the royal family, distributed ration kits to 3,500 pourakarmikas. Celebrations also took place at Ursu Mandali Sangha, where floral tributes were paid.

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