Bengaluru: Former Chief Justice of India Justice M.N. Venkatachalaiah launched HH Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar (HH SNW) Foundation by unveiling the logo of the Foundation at a function organised at the Palace Grounds here yesterday.

The launching of the Foundation coincided with the 65th birth anniversary of Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar and also the third anniversary of Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Indian Medical Heritage Library at Trans-Disciplinary University (TDU), Bengaluru.

Earlier, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar delivered the opening address and the three sisters of Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar — Kamakshi Devi, Indrakshi Devi and Vishalakshi Devi — spoke on the late Wadiyar.

Dr. Rafeeq Ahmed, who was the Political Science teacher for Srikantadatta Narasimaraja Wadiyar at Manasagangothri, also spoke on the occasion.

Prof. Ramaswamy of Institute of Stem Cell Biology, MCBS, Bengaluru, presented a report on the programmes implemented by Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Indian Medical Heritage Library. Later, Sri M delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Demystifying Spirituality.’

On the occasion, a Bharatanatyam tribute to the Wadiyars of Mysuru by actress and dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and senior artiste Sathyanarayana Raju was held. This specially choreographed tribute provided a glimpse of the cultural heritage of Mysore through some of its important rulers and their achievements.

Reginald Wesley, Trustee, HH SNW Foundation, proposed a vote of thanks.

Members of the Mysuru royal family, former Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde, spiritual leader Sri M, TDU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Darshan Shankar and others were present during the occasion.