Bengaluru: To commemorate the Diamond Jubilee (60th year) of the Vidhana Soudha, Karnataka’s most prestigious and famous landmark, President Ram Nath Kovind will address a special joint session of the Karnataka Legislature on Oct. 25. Vidhana Soudha is the seat of the State Legislature of Karnataka. The occasion will see the President giving a 90-minute speech on the Vidhana Soudha and the contribution of Karnataka to the country.

A series of events have been organised on Oct. 25 and 26 to celebrate the occasion. The celebrations include a special discussion on the State’s history, its land, water, resources and nature, along with cultural programmes. The steps of the Vidhana Soudha, where the awards ceremony will be held will come alive with cultural events.

Families of the first three Chief Ministers of Mysore State (before reorganisation) — the late K.C. Reddy, Kengal Hanumanthaiah and Kadidal Manjappa — will be honoured. Several people will be bestowed the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for their contribution towards the development of the State.

A documentary by Girish Kasaravalli on the Vidhana Soudha and another by T.N. Seetharam on the Karnataka Legislature will be screened. Besides, a 3D virtual reality movie about the building will also be shown. A special musical performance by Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej has been organised for the momentous occasion.

The foundation for the Vidhana Soudha, considered one of the most imposing buildings in the country, was laid by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on July 13, 1951. The gigantic building was completed in 1956 at a cost of about Rs. 1.84 crore in those days. Built in a ‘Neo-Dravidian’ style of architecture, the Vidhana Soudha is spread over 60 acres.