Mysuru: Dr. William Nganje, Chair and Professor, Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, North Dakota State University (NDSU), who visited Bengaluru to participate in the international conference hosted by MP Birla Institute of Management (MPBIM), a sister concern of Bhavan’s Priyamvada Birla Institute of Management (BPBIM) in city, also visited Mysuru. 

His visit was in continuation of the MoU signed between MPBIM and NDSU regarding staff and student exchange programmes. After attending the International conference, Nganje extended his visit to Mysuru. He was accompanied by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Mysuru Kendra Chairman Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy and BVB Karnataka Chairman N. Ramanuja.

Dr. Nganje has a doctorate from University of Illinois, joint BS and MS Degree in Agricultural Economics. His research areas are risk management, financial analysis, economics of obesity, food safety and food terrorism, experimental economics and consumer choice theory. He has published many papers in reputed journals.

He believes that culture is an all-pervading concept and hence it has to be understood through temples which are symbols of our ancient culture. He had heard of Hoysala temples but had no opportunity of visiting them and see the marvel of architectural and sculptural wonders. 

As Somanathapura was very near to Mysuru, he expressed his desire to visit that temple dedicated to Keshava. He evinced keen interest in the temple and was curious to know why the soft stone — locally called Balapadakallu — was used. After going around, he himself answered this question that only a soft stone can be used to carve minute and intricate carvings, some of which are about one inch in height. 

He next went to Gaganachukki and Bharachukki Falls and also visited Sri Lakshminarasimha Temple situated at Marehalli. It was built during the reign of Rajaraja Chola with a garbhagriha, an antarala and a Mukhamandapa in east-west orientation enclosed by a pillared Prakara. In the sanctum, there is an image of Lakshminarasimha. The temple subsequently was renovated and restored during the Hoysala and Vijayanagar periods.

After his temple darshan, he visited the BPBIM in Vijayanagar I Stage here and addressed the Professors and students. He advised them to write articles in reputed journals and inculcate reading habit.