As Bengaluru celebrated the birth anniversary of its founder, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, netizens gathered on Reddit to share reflections on how the city has transformed. What began as tributes for Kempegowda Jayanti, observed on June 27, evolved into an emotional conversation about the city’s changing character.
Many praised Kempegowda’s vision for urban planning, especially his idea of linking lakes to prevent floods and cool the city. One user explained to newcomers that Kempegowda’s contributions still shape Bengaluru’s geography, citing the city’s old boundary towers as evidence of his foresight.
Yet, the admiration was tinged with regret. A particularly moving comment read, “Happy birthday Gowdre, please forgive us for the current state of Bengaluru,” capturing the sadness felt by long-time residents.
One contributor, who grew up in Bengaluru, described feeling alienated by the city’s rapid expansion. “It’s changed beyond recognition,” he said, recalling quieter roads, cooler weather, and a stronger sense of community before the IT boom.
Others worried about unchecked sprawl reaching the outskirts, fearing that growth into places like Ramanagara and Kolar would erode Bengaluru’s core identity and overwhelm infrastructure.
While older residents shared nostalgia for a simpler time, newcomers used the thread to learn about Kempegowda’s legacy. Several admitted they hadn’t heard of him before and thanked locals for explaining how he envisioned and built the foundations of modern Bengaluru.
The discussion revealed a city proud of its past but grappling with the consequences of fast-paced growth.