Mysuru: It is exactly a week ago that the world famous Dasara procession was held. People have gone back with fond memories. However, many tourists were disappointed that they could not visit the Dasara Exhibition, as it was not ready on time. That, of course, is a tradition as one visitor said sarcastically.

In a way, it was good, because one of the main attractions coming up is the White House, which everyone is eager to see. The replica of the White House with the minutest detail is being created beautifully. Sadly, however, none of the people involved in creating this huge structure are aware that what has come up is not the White House but the Capitol Hill (Congress House), which is a metonym for the United States Congress.

Capitol Hill includes the Senate and House Office buildings, the Supreme Court building, the Library of Congress, the Marine Barracks, the Washington Navy Yard and Congressional Cemetery. However, the replica that is coming up in the vast Dasara Exhibition grounds and ignorantly being touted is White House. What is very shocking is that the work began quite some time back.

There is a Dasara Exhibition Sub-Committee, which has okayed this beautiful project, which is expected to cost around Rs. one crore.

Yesterday, when Star of Mysore reporter went to do the story on the so-called White House and took photographs of the place, the facts came to light.

Everyone is now expressing their ignorance. KEA CEO N.M. Shashikumar, speaking to Star of Mysore said, “We really did not know that it was the replica of Capitol Hill building coming up and not the White House. I have not visited United States of America. Now that this has been brought to my notice, we will make the correction.”

The contractor of the Exhibition Vinod Kumar of Fun World and Resorts told Star of Mysore, “It was my idea to see that a White House replica is put up in the Dasara Exhibition as lot of visitors including children come. Every year we would come up with various themes. After all, Taj Mahal is in our country and anyone can go and visit it. But how many people can go to America? Hence, I came up with this idea and asked my artist to do it.”

Asked if he had seen what is coming up, he expressed his ignorance and said, “I have been handling exhibition contract for a long time. One of my uncles was doing the exhibition contract during the time of Jayachamaraja Wadiyar when the Dasara Exhibition was being held in Mysore Medical College grounds next to the  Railway Offices. However, I had delegated the responsibility to the artist and I have not seen the work coming up.”

Capitol Hill getting ready

Meanwhile, the impressive looking Capitol Hill, which is also white in colour, is coming up and it will be ready for opening in two or three days. It will be open to the visitors from 4 pm to 10 pm and the entry fee is pegged at Rs. 40 for everyone including children above five years.

As one enters the Capitol Hill, the LED rays penetrates and lights up the beautiful arches. To view the 200ft X 75ft building a half-moon shaped garden is created. There is also a selfie zone. The board containing the details of the White House (not of Capitol Hill) is hung in the conference Hall inside. The portraits of the first President George Washington in 1789 to the current President Donald Trump adorn the walls and there is a brief description of each one of them.

There is also a beautiful garden laid outside and the information on important tourist places to visit in America will also be available here.

Now, the question remains — the outer facade is that of the Capitol Hill and inside is the description of the historic White House, which is the official residence of the US President. How can this discrepancy be set right? The authorities concerned must come up with a solution.  Otherwise, it will be a sad reflection on Mysuru and its present dispensation. After all, the model city was built by the benevolent rulers, the Wadiyars, who always were perfectionists.