Mysuru to be promoted as global hub for art and culture, says Shivakumar

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the State government was committed to preserving and promoting Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage, art, literature, and the glory of the Kannada land.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Dasara cultural programmes and conferring the State Sangeetha Vidwan Award on veteran classical vocalist and writer Mysuru Nagamani Srinath on the palace premises in Mysuru on Sunday evening.

Describing Mysuru as the cradle of art forms and the cultural capital of Karnataka, Mr. Shivakumar said efforts would be made to further develop the city as a major destination for promoting artistes from across the country and abroad.

“Our government’s basic philosophy is achievement through empowerment, development through awareness, equality through culture and peace through equality,” he said.

Dr. Nagamani Srinath, who has dedicated 65 years to music, was honoured with the Sangeetha Vidwan Award in recognition of her contribution to classical music and literature.

The Chief Minister said the government had created a Praja Seva Department to listen to people’s grievances, take welfare guarantee schemes to their doorsteps and address their problems. He said he would visit Mysuru shortly to hear public grievances.

Recalling that electricity was supplied from Shivanasamudra to the Mysuru Palace and KGF as early as 1902, Mr. Shivakumar said the light that illuminated Mysuru during Dasara should spread across the State.

He highlighted Mysuru’s rich heritage of silk, sandalwood, and traditional painting. “Just as a mango cannot be plucked merely by chanting a mantra and a stone cannot become a statue without chiselling, no art, or achievement can earn recognition without hard work,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar said Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had agreed to his request to include tableaux representing the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces and an airshow during this year’s Dasara festivities. A presentation showcasing Kannada cinema and Buddhist culture from Bylakuppe would also add to the grandeur of the Dasara procession, he said.

Urban Development and Mysuru District In-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah said Dasara was a major festival through which Karnataka’s cultural richness and artistic heritage were showcased to the world.

The inclusion of coastal Karnataka’s traditional Kambala and the participation of Army and Navy personnel had added a new dimension to this year’s celebrations, he said.

Minister for Kannada and Culture Shivaraj S. Thangadagi also spoke.

Legislative Council Chairman Saleem Ahmed, Assembly Speaker G.S. Patil, Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George and others were present.