Anonymous achievers

Landmark happenings during the first half of the last century in different sectors of economy benefiting people of the erstwhile Princely State of Mysore on a scale that cannot be fathomed is not only associated with the then ruler of the State, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar but also full credit is bestowed on him by chroniclers as well as public speakers in our times who are accepted in society as knowledgeable fraternity. Unarguably, while the ruler richly deserves the honour of being showered with accolades in superlatives, credit is also due to functionaries in administration at different levels of hierarchy as well as members of society across the State known for their proficiency in different fields whose names, in a long list, don’t have identity, barring exceptions. They are truly anonymous achievers of Mysore State. The feature of hundreds of them contributing to the land’s past glory is not unique to any of its particular region, although some of them find themselves elevated at national-level. Teachers of every one of the past achievers, anonymous or otherwise, seem to be conspicuously anonymous in the matter of bestowing due credit, once again barring exceptions. Those teachers have immortalised themselves and live in the hearts of their illustrious pupils.

The paintings and frescoes of centuries vintage in heritage sites across the land may have faded, yet we are able to judge the calibre of the land’s people of a distant past in the area of sculpture, thanks to the work of their artistry that has endured despite the impact of exposure to sun and rain. They too fall into the category of anonymous achievers.

Recalling the names of those featured in the pages of the country’s history in general and that of the erstwhile Princely State of Mysore in particular, along with chroniclers of their outstanding achievements can be a thrilling experience to those with unalloyed love for their land and its past icons. The various fields of human activity that earned them star status come in an amazing range, all of them unstoppable in enthralling successive generations. Every one of them is a role model for people in all age groups, being a byword for proficiency and excellence in their chosen calling, but regrettably not taken note of to the extent of making any impression by contemporary society.

Film world provides a classic example of bestowing spotlight on the hero and heroine, if not also on the villain, as the sole core of the biopics, scores of behind-the-scene workforce member remaining anonymous, despite their sweat and toil, apart from the Producer risking his investment, particularly when his movie bombs at the box office.  Society owes its good to the countless anonymous achievers in a measure no less than those glorified, deservedly or otherwise.