New Delhi, Jul 18 (UNI) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday paid rich tributes to late Maharaja of Mysore Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar on the occasion of his birth centenary describing him as a popular mass hero who liked to stay in touch with people and fitted the icon of the ideal ruler as envisaged by philosopher Chanakya in his treatise Artha Shastra.
Inaugurating virtually the valedictory programme on the birth centenary celebrations of the 25th ruler of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar, Mr Naidu called for celebrating the knowledge, wisdom, patriotism and vision of all great rulers and statesmen who shaped the history.
Wadiyar had established a responsible government in the Mysore State by setting up the Constituent Assembly and an interim popular Government with K C Reddy as Chief Minister.
Crediting the Maharaja with leading India’s transition to being a strong democracy and contributing greatly to the unity and integrity of the nation, the Vice President called him a perfect blend of ancient values and the modernity. An able administrator, he had built a strong and self-reliant state of Mysore, "one of the most progressive states in pre-Independence India".
Called the "Dakshina Bhoja" because of his unparalleled patronage of arts, literature and culture, the late Maharaja was an ardent supporter of entrepreneurship and actively encouraged the establishment of an industrial facility in Bengaluru by a company called Hindustan Aircraft Ltd in 1940 which later became Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
Noting that his 'Jayachamaraja Grantha Ratna Mala' series had enriched Kannada language and literature, Mr Naidu pointed out that the Maharaja felt that people must be empowered to govern themselves. "A democrat at heart, the Maharaja had established a responsible government in the Mysore State by setting up the Constituent Assembly and an interim popular Government with K C Reddy as Chief Minister," he added.
He appealed to all to celebrate the timeless Indian values, the rich cultural heritage and along with the spirit of democracy and of people-centred good governance.
Today's event was organised under the aegis of His Highness Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Foundation.
UNI SD SHK2023