Sir,

Apropos the news item published in Star of Mysore dated Dec. 25, I wish to echo the sentiments of the general public that while naming a road after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is a good and appropriate gesture, renaming an existing historic and heritage road is not.

Many may not be aware of the rich heritage and historical significance of Princess Road and the 83-acre PKTB Sanatorium complex, which now includes the newly constructed Trauma Care Centre (4 acres) and Jayadeva Cardiac Hospital (16 acres).

History reveals that in July 1917, long before India gained independence and Karnataka was formed, the then Maharaja of Mysore, Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, laid the foundation stone for this hospital on an elevated land spanning over 83 acres. The hospital was inaugurated for public service on 18.11.1921.

Princess Krishnajammanni and her daughters were victims of the deadly tuberculosis disease, and this hospital was constructed in their memory to protect the citizens of Mysuru from this illness. The road symbolises the care, service and sacrifice of the Mysore royal family.

While recognising CM Siddaramaiah’s contributions is commendable, it need not come at the cost of altering the name of a road with significant heritage value. Instead of renaming an existing road, a new road can be named after Siddaramaiah.

For instance, the newly constructed Double Road from Siddartha Layout Junction to Varuna Lake could be named ‘Siddaramaiah Marga,’ as it also leads to Siddaramanahundi, the Chief Minister’s native place. This would be a win-win solution for all political and public stakeholders.

— V. Raghunatha Sharma,  Srirampura,  28.12.2024

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