Motivational speech, alumni summit mark 181st birth anniversary of M. Venkatakrishnaiah 

Mysuru: “True service to society stems from a noble heart and a spirit of compassion, not wealth or power,” said Dr. V.B. Arathi, internationally acclaimed spiritual guide and motivational speaker.

She was speaking at the 181st birth anniversary of M. Venkatakrishnaiah, popularly known as “Mysore Thathaiah,” lauding him as a selfless humanitarian who embodied these ideals. The event was organised by Anathalaya Mysuru at its premises on Narayana Shastri Road on Sunday. Drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita, Dr. Arathi noted that Lord Krishna describes a true devotee as one who seeks the welfare of all beings.

“Thathaiah’s life is a shining example of this teaching,” she said adding,  “My father introduced me to Thathaiah’s legacy when I was young, and I later learned that he was also a relative of ours. I take pride in belonging to a family that carries forward its socially conscious values.”

She emphasised that many mistakenly believe that money or influence is essential for public service, while Thathaiah proved otherwise. “He was not a man of great wealth, yet his contributions to society were immense. What truly matters is a generous heart,” she said.

Sir M.V. remembered

Dr. Arathi also paid homage to Sir M. Visvesvaraya, acknowledging his monumental contributions to public infrastructure. “The water we drink and the electricity we enjoy today are part of his visionary legacy,” she remarked.

Saying that children should inherit values from their parents — not just property, Dr. Arathi stressed the importance of nurturing strong values in young minds. She commended institutions like Anathalaya, which instil principles and ethics often missing in elite schools.

Hunger and life’s values

Reflecting on the role of hardship in shaping character, Dr. Arathi pointed out that children today are often shielded from struggle. “Those who have experienced hunger and adversity truly understand the value of life. If everything comes too easily, problems arise,” she said.

Dr. Arathi recalled that while kings and nobles deeply respected Thathaiah, he remained humble, reinvesting all his resources back into society. “Our sages and visionaries gave everything to the community — that is India’s true heritage,” she said.

Dr. Arathi lamented that Thathaiah’s contributions remain absent from school textbooks, while dramatised narratives of service by others — often linked to religious conversion — receive undue prominence.

Thathaiah Award

City-based ophthalmologists Dr. Uma Ravishankar and Dr. K.V. Ravishankar, founders of Ushakiran Charitable Trust and Ushakiran Eye Hospital, were conferred Annual Thathaiah Award.

Noted Sanskrit scholar Dr. T.V. Sathyanarayana, renowned for his work at the Oriental Research Institute and for his spiritual discourses, was honoured with the Thathaiah Sri Beneficiary Award.

Senior advocate and eminent legal luminary A.S. Nataraj was the guest of honour, while C.V. Gopinath, President of Mysuru Anathalaya and former Additional Secretary to the Government of India, presided. Vice-President N.V. Dinesh, Secretary H. Ashwathnarayan and other office-bearers were present.

As part of the celebrations, inter-hostel debating and essay writing competitions were conducted. For the first time, an alumni summit of Anathalaya was also held, bringing together past residents to share their experiences and strengthen ties with the institution.