Mysore/Mysuru: City-based Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited (MPVL), also known as MyLAC, a key player in the Indian Democratic process, was one of the innumerable contributions to the society by the erstwhile Wadiyars. The Company has grown in leaps and bounds and has got international recognition and if a proper growth plan is made, there is no doubt that there will be world-wide demand for MPVL’s indelible ink. 

These were the words of Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha while releasing 2021 calendar and diary brought out by MPVL at its premises recently.  

The company was established in 1937 by Maharaja of Mysore Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in the name of Mysore Lac and Paints Limited and was renamed as Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited later. The company which is owned by Government of Karnataka has also been exporting the indelible ink to countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa and Afghanistan, he noted. 

MyLAC’s indelible ink was used for the first time in the 1962 elections, he said and added that the ink has become a permanent feature in all the polls held since then. “We only have read about the glory of the Vijayanagar Empire where gold, rubies and diamonds were abundantly available cheap on roadsides and thoroughfares. We are practically a witness to various welfare schemes, projects and establishments launched by the Wadiyars as they are serving the society even now and institutions like MyLAC are carrying forward the Wadiyar legacy,” the MP said. 

Continuing, Pratap Simha said that the airport at Mandakalli was first built by the Wadiyars for their private use. “Jayachamaraja Wadiyar had purchased a light aircraft and when the Mysore Kingdom was acceded to India, he gave away the aircraft for public good,” he noted and called upon MyLAC authorities to come up with a development-oriented action plan and take the Public Sector Unit to newer heights. 

MLA L. Nagendra said that MyLAC is remembered only during the time of elections. “We all tend to forget it after elections. But we must realise that despite advances in technology, other companies have not been able to produce such an indelible ink that MyLAC produces,” he said. 

MyLAC Chairman N.V. Phaneesh too recollected the contribution of Wadiyars and said efforts would be made to continue the legacy and at the same time maintain the quality, uniqueness and distinctness of MyLAC ink.  

MyLAC Managing Director Chandrashekar Doddamani, General Manager C. Harakumar and others were present.