Mysore/Mysuru: Aug. 9 was the day when erstwhile ruler of Mysore State Sri Jayachamaraja (JC) Wadiyar handed over the affairs of the then Mysore State to Indian Union just days before India became independent. Marking the day, a programme was held at Nypunya School of Excellence in Kanakadasanagar here yesterday.

School Chairman R. Raghu Kautilya, who inaugurated the event by garlanding the portrait of the Wadiyar, spoke about the contributions of Mysore rulers towards implementing the concept of ‘Ramarajya’ as envisaged by Mahatma Gandhi.  Raghu Kautilya specifically hailed the contributions of Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in this regard.

“The Wadiyar dynasty rulers, who created and ruled Mysore Kingdom, always followed the democratic principles and Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, following the tradition of his predecessors, merged Mysore State with the Indian Union to make India a Republic country. He was the first Indian king to do so. We all should be proud that such ideal kings ruled our State,” said Raghu Kautilya and concluded by saying that Aug. 9 should be remembered in this region as a day when Jayachamaraja Wadiyar dedicated himself to the democracy and built a new India, apart from creating awareness among the students about his legacy.

A Painting Competition titled ‘Chinnara Chittadalli Bharata’ was organised to commemorate Independence Day celebrations to create awareness about patriotism and history among students. It was decided to organise debates and other competitions to observe the I-Day in a meaningful way.

School’s Academic Dean Vijaya Iyer, Principal Shantini Gerald, Education Coordinator Bhavana Srikant and PRO Ashwini Shankar were present.