Mysuru: A nine-foot tall bronze statue of the architect of Indian Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, will be installed soon in the University of Mysore’s Manasagangothri Campus.

The bronze statue is being sculpted in Hyderabad and it will be installed in the garden facing the University Library. While the total cost of the project is around Rs. 25 lakh, the cost of the statue alone is about Rs.10 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh, which according to sources in the University is being funded through donations.

Acting VC Prof. Dayanand Mane, who is the main force behind the installation of the statue, said that a few people have assured donations and a few irrespective of caste, creed or religion are donating for the statue.

The sources in the University said that the approval for installing the statue in Manasagangothri campus was given by the State Government and the Syndicate had also given its nod. The cost of the 7.5-foot pedestal, ornamental grills, granite and paver blocks with focus lights will cost around Rs. 10 lakh and this cost is being borne by the UoM. The total height of the statue from the base of the pedestal will be 16.5 feet.

The acting VC is keen that the statue is installed before Nov.22 as his term ends on that day. The statue of Dr. Ambedkar has been installed in many foreign Universities. There are two busts of the great Indian leader installed in the USA. One is in Columbia University, his alma mater, where it was installed in 2015 and the other in Brandeis University, Boston, installed in April 2017.

The 700 kg, 6-foot statue of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu seated on a Rattan chair, cast in bronze welcomes the students, the faculty and the visitors to the beautiful Manasagangothri Campus. The other statues that also attract everyone’s attention are the beautiful marble statue of the Buddha under the Peepul tree and the Creation of Creations in granite in front of the School of Planning and Architecture. Now, with the addition of the life-size statue of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, the campus is turning out to be a truly inspirational place for the students and the faculty.