Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to support Karnataka in the spirit of cooperative federalism, stating that India’s progress is closely linked to the state’s development. Speaking at the inauguration of the Vivekananda Smarak at the Ramakrishna Vidyashala campus in Mysuru, the Chief Minister said Karnataka’s growth would contribute significantly to the nation’s overall progress.
Sharing the stage with Prime Minister Modi during the inauguration of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre, Shivakumar emphasised that the Centre and the state should work together to achieve common developmental goals.
Appeal for cooperative federalism
Addressing the gathering, Shivakumar said, “For India to progress, it must progress along with Karnataka. Let us work together within our federal structure. I appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to support Karnataka with an open heart.”
He said Karnataka possesses unique strengths through its people, climate and culture, adding that the state was committed to working in partnership with the Union government for the country’s development.
According to the Chief Minister, cooperative federalism remains essential for ensuring balanced growth across states and strengthening India’s progress.
Vivekananda’s ideals continue to inspire
Recalling the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, Shivakumar said the spiritual leader’s sacrifice, courage and vision should continue to inspire future generations.
He described the inauguration of the Vivekananda Smarak as a historic moment for youth empowerment and urged young people to draw inspiration from Vivekananda’s message of perseverance.
“Swami Vivekananda taught us to remain courageous in failure and gracious in victory. His ideals continue to guide us,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that Karnataka was committed to nurturing the potential of young people by creating opportunities in education, sports, arts and cultural activities.
Karnataka’s contribution to India’s growth
Highlighting Karnataka’s growing importance, Shivakumar said the state had emerged as one of India’s foremost centres for innovation, technology and economic development.
He recalled that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had recognised Karnataka’s increasing global significance while laying the foundation stone for Kempegowda International Airport.
According to Shivakumar, Karnataka and Bengaluru have become global destinations, attracting investments, innovation and international attention.
He also noted that former Chief Minister S M Krishna, an alumnus of the Ramakrishna institution, played an important role during the state’s growth phase.
Tribute to Mysore Royal Family
The Chief Minister highlighted the historic contribution of the Mysore Royal Family to India’s scientific development.
He recalled that during Swami Vivekananda’s interaction with industrialist Jamsetji Tata, the idea of establishing a premier scientific institution in India was discussed.
Shivakumar said the Maharaja of Mysore subsequently donated 300 acres of land in Bengaluru, enabling the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), which went on to become one of India’s leading research institutions.
He described the contribution as a landmark chapter in the country’s scientific history.
Government committed to youth development
Shivakumar said his government shares Swami Vivekananda’s vision of empowering young people and has adopted “Yuva Yuga, Nava Yuga” as its guiding slogan.
He said the government intends to function as “Team Karnataka”, with special emphasis on engaging youth across rural and urban areas.
The Chief Minister announced that youth associations are being established at the gram panchayat and ward levels to encourage sports, arts and cultural activities while promoting the physical and mental well-being of young people.
He said strengthening youth participation would play a vital role in Karnataka’s future development.
Cultural centre dedicated to nation’s youth
Referring to the newly inaugurated Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre, Shivakumar said the facility would become a valuable national asset by inspiring generations of young Indians.
He also recalled Swami Vivekananda’s historic journey from Mysuru to the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where his famous opening words, “Brothers and Sisters of America,” earned worldwide recognition.
Congratulating the Ramakrishna Ashrama for establishing the memorial, the Chief Minister said participating in the inauguration was a privilege and expressed confidence that the centre would guide young people towards nation-building and character development.
DK Shivakumar seeks Centre’s support for Karnataka at Mysuru event
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