Mysuru, Oct. 25 – Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who is also the titular head of the erstwhile Mysore Royal Family, stated that the Mysore Royal Family has long strived to introduce Indian heritage and culture into the field of education.

He was speaking at the unveiling of a bust of Sri Chamaraja Wadiyar X, held at Sri Jayachamaraja Ursu Education Trust premises on Krishnaraja Boulevard, Chamarajapuram, Mysuru, yesterday.

Sri Jayachamaraja Ursu Education Trust was established in 1957 by Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar. Earlier, under the reign of Chamaraja Wadiyar X, the Trust was founded to provide free education to the underprivileged.

At that time, the institution was directly managed from the Mysore Palace. Following the formation of a democratic government in Karnataka, the Trust continued its mission of education. Many alumni of the institution now hold prominent positions, Yaduveer, who is also the Trust President, noted.

Though the Ursu community in Karnataka is small in number, it has made significant contributions to Indian history. “Our ancestors prioritised the development of the Mysore State. In 2023, the Sri Chamarajendra School for Excellence and the Architect Engineering Institute were launched. The institute has earned sixth place nationally for quality education,” he added.

During the reign of Chamaraja Wadiyar X, Mysore witnessed considerable progress. In 1881, he established the Mysore Representative Assembly — the first modern Legislative body under princely rule in India.

In 1893, he provided financial support for Swami Vivekananda’s participation in the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. He also gave special importance to women’s education and founded several institutions.

Maharani’s Arts College for Women retd. Associate Professor Dr. B.V. Sudhamani delivered the keynote address, elaborating on contributions of Wadiyars to education, culture and development.

On this occasion, Jayachamaraja Ursu Education Trust Vice-President Dr. Bharathi Sridhar Raje Urs, Secretary Mahesh N. Urs, Joint Secretary Sardar Srikanta Raje Urs, MP Yaduveer’s wife Trishikha Kumari Wadiyar, and Engineer Amarnath Raje Urs were felicitated.

Present at the event were patrons of the Trust, including Mysore Royal Family Member Pramoda Devi Wadiyar.