Retired IAS Officer B.R. Jayaramaraje Urs, addressing the gathering during the Yuva Janotsava and Prathibha Puraskara, organised by Karnataka Ursu Mahamandali Charitable Trust at Sri Krishna Temple premises, Gokulam in the city this morning. (Sitting from left) Swami Sarvajayananda of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, Mysuru, President of Karnataka Ursu Mahamandali Charitable Trust B.S. Sridharaje Urs and Hon. President of the Trust M.L. Basavaraje Urs.

B.R. Jayaramaraje Urs, retired IAS Officer, sang paeans of erstwhile Ruler of Mysore Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, as a benevolent King, who practiced ‘Democracy in Monarchy.’

He was speaking during the Yuva Janotsava and Prathibha Puraskara, organised by Karnataka Ursu Mahamandali Charitable Trust, at Sri Krishna temple premises, Gokulam in the city this morning.

Recalling the title bestowed upon Nalwadi by Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi as Rajarshi, Urs said Nalwadi, a political philosopher, that he was, ruled in a truly democratic way, giving equal opportunity for elected representatives and framing policies after considering the opinions of concerned officials.

“There were over 600 Royal Families in the country, but only a few among them were benevolent rulers and Nalwadi was one among them. Nalwadi laid foundation for Karnataka as a model State, making himself as an ideal ruler for others. Despite losing his father at an early age, he learnt the nuances of administration under the guidance of his mother Vani Vilasa Sannidhana Kempananjammanni. The pro-people works implemented by Nalwadi, are still benefitting the mankind,” he said.

Years may go, decades may pass, but Nalwadi’s works shall remain eternal for the ages to come, hailed Urs.

Swami Sarvajayananda of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, Mysuru, inaugurated the programme. President of Karnataka Ursu Mahamandali Charitable Trust B.S. Sridhar Raje Urs presided. Hon. President of the Trust M.L. Basavaraje Urs was present.