More on Sir MV and University of Mysore

Sir,

It has been mentioned in the article “Mysuru Memories — Rajamantra Praveena Kulapati H.V.Nanjundaiah” (SOM dated Oct. 22) that the initial steps with regard to the birth of Mysore University were taken by the Maharaja Nalwadi Krishna Raja Wadiyar, his mother Kempa Nanjammani Vani Vilasa and Dewan Sir M. Visvesvaraya in 1913-14. In order to set the record straight it needs to be pointed out that it was solely due to the efforts of Sir M. Visvesvaraya that the establishment of the University of Mysore became a reality.

In his book on Bharat Ratna Sir M.Visvesvaraya published by Select Book in 2013, H.S. Sreenath has devoted a whole chapter describing the efforts made by Sir MV in this regard.

The establishment of a University at Mysore could be counted among the major achievements of Visvesvaraya as Dewan of Mysore. Visvesvaraya thought of a University for Mysore the day he became the Chief Engineer of Mysore. Madras University was strongly opposed to the establishment of Mysore University.

However, it required permission from the Government of India. On 16th July 1915, Visvesvaraya attended a meeting with the representatives of the Government of India at Simla and submitted a detailed note explaining the reasons for a separate University for Mysore. The Government of India was fully convinced of the feasibility of the scheme and gave its consent. The University of Mysore came into being on 1st July, 1916.

On his return to Mysore, Visvesvaraya submitted a detailed note to His Highness the Maharaja through Sir Mirza Ismail, who was his Private Secretary. Mirza Ismail later conveyed the appreciation of the Maharaja to Visvesvaraya in the following words:

“His Highness has read with much interest the file, the notes of your interviews at Simla and desires me to return it to you with his thanks.”

– M.K. Subba Rao, Bengaluru, 30.10.2018

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