Mysore/Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddharamaiah unveiled the bronze statue of Dr. M.H. Marigowda, called as the ‘Father of Horticulture in India,’ installed at Curzon Park adjacent to Mysore Palace yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, CM said: “The achievements of Dr. Marigowda is an inspiration to all, as he was the brain behind the development of horticulture in the State. As a Government Officer he has zealously worked with honesty and commitment in the realm.”

Dr. Marigowda came to be known as ‘Father of Horticulture’ for his far-sighted vision to expand horticulture in the State by initiating farms and stalls in every district and taluk headquarters. As a Superintendent of Horticulture Department in Mysuru, Dr. Marigowda made significant contributions, as a result of which his 12-feet tall statue, weighing one tonne has been erected as a mark of tribute to keep alive the values he propagated for eternity.

A native of Maragowdanahalli in T. Narasipur taluk of the district, Dr. Marigowda’s father was Hombegowda. After completing his primary education in Bannur, he (Marigowda) got his Degree in Science from Central College, Bengaluru and Post-Graduation from Lucknow University and Doctorate from Harward University, USA. Dr. Marigowda started his career as Assistant Superintendent at Lalbagh in Bengaluru in 1924, before serving as the Superintendent of Mysuru Horticulture Department in 1951. It was from here that, Dr. Marigowda experimented with many plans successfully.

The activities of Horticulture Department that was restricted to the maintenance of gardens, later transformed into a farmer-friendly Department too by advocating horticulture crops for the benefit of agrarian community, courtesy Dr. Marigowda.

If people wish, changes to be made in Dasara: CM

CM Siddharamaiah has said, “The opinions of people will be elicited to bring changes towards making Nada Habba Mysuru Dasara more colourful, with much pomp and gaiety.”

Speaking to media persons outside his T.K. Layout residence yesterday, CM said: “Mysuru Dasara is not just a Nada Habba, but people’s festival too. Hence, to make it more colourful, we will seek the opinions of the people of Mysuru. If they favour any changes, we will do so.”

Acknowledging that Dasara festival concluded peacefully without any chaos and confusion, Chief Minister Siddharamaiah attributed it to the unity among Officers with the cooperation of elected representatives.