Melukote: State Higher Education and Mysuru District in-Charge Minister G.T. Devegowda assured that the State Government would make all efforts to develop the Academy of Sanskrit Research in Melukote of Mandya district as one of the prestigious National institutions of the country which was founded to promote the philosophies of social reformer Sri Ramanujacharya.

Speaking after inaugurating the repository of palm-leaf manuscripts at the Academy recently, he appreciated the Research Academy for bringing out the books to publicise the writings of Sri Ramanujacharya. It is believed that Ramanujacharya lived for many years one thousand years ago at a place in Melukote, which is now the Yathiraja Mutt, and also built temples and other structures there.

He said that he would take all measures for upgradation of this repository of palm-leaf manuscripts and to bring the Academy under newly-formed Melukote Development Authority for its overall development.

Stating that the Academy has submitted a proposal seeking the release of Rs. 4 crore for its development, the Minister said that the Government would also take steps to renew the contract of 18 acres of land given by the Temple Management Committee.

Pointing out that the Government has taken various measures for the development of Melukote, he announced that the Higher Education Department would release additional Rs.4 crore grant for the ongoing construction of full-fledged Government First Grade College (FGC) building.

Presiding over the programme, VC of Karnataka Sanskrit University Dr. Padma Shekar said that the State Additional Secretary Anil Kumar had directed to submit a proposal for Rs.5 crore grant to the Union Government to construct a museum highlighting the contributions of Sri Ramanujacharya.

State Additional Secretary Anil Kumar, Karnataka Sanskrit University Registrar Kumar, Finance Officer Bagoji and Director of Academy of Sanskrit Research Dr K.T. Panduranga were present.