Bhoomi Puja performed for construction of Centenary Bhavan of Ursu Mandali Sangha

Mysore/Mysuru: Noting that the Ursu community has contributed a lot for the development of the State, former MLA Dr. Yathindra Siddharamaiah said that the strong foundation laid by the erstwhile Mysuru ruler Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar paved the way for the development of Mysuru and Bengaluru.

He was speaking at the bhoomi puja ceremony for the construction of Centenary Bhavan being built by Ursu Mandali Sangha on M.G. Road in Khille Mohalla  here yesterday.

Pointing out that Nalwadi launched social reforms in those times itself, Dr. Yathindra said we are speaking of decentralisation of power in a democracy now. But Nalwadi had started it over a century ago, he said adding that the contributions of the erstwhile rulers can hardly be matched.

Noting that D. Devaraj Urs as the Chief Minister in the 1970’s had taken some revolutionary measures for rendering social justice to marginalised and oppressed sections of the society, Dr. Yathindra said that Urs must be credited for the socio-economic development of Backward Classes and deprived communities.

KR MLA T.S. Srivatsa said that it was the Mysuru Maharajas who showed us how to provide civic amenities such as roads parks, underground drainage and other basic infrastructure to the citizens. It is a matter of pride that we were guided by the Maharajas, he said adding that he would give Rs. 1 lakh out of his MLA fund for the construction of the Bhavan.

Member of the erstwhile Royal family Pramoda Devi Wadiyar said that Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, who had given the land for the Sangha, had wished that the Sangha develop it and he would have been happy had the Bhavan was constructed when he was alive. Now it is up to the Sangha to construct the Bhavan and maintain it, she said adding that she was ready for rendering financial assistance. She also called upon the community members to come up with their contribution.

MLC Dr.D. Thimmaiah  in his address, said that the Urs community members have appealed the Government to install a statue of D. Devaraj Urs at the intersection of Devaraj Urs and JLB Road near Maharani’s College, to which CM Siddharamaiah has said that he would direct the MCC regarding the matter. “I will give Rs.10 lakh out of my MLC fund for the construction of the Bhavan. I am always indebted to Devaraj Urs as he helped me a lot in my medical education and thereafter in my career in the Government. It is because of Urs that I became a DHO at an young age”, the MLC said adding that post-retirement, it was CM Siddharamaiah who helped  him grow in politics.

Ursu Mandali Sangha President H.M.T. Lingaraje Urs presided. Sangha office-bearers D. Jayadevaraje Urs, M.A. Srikantaraje Urs, K. Suma Urs, N.B. Sharat Urs and Mallaraje Urs, former Corporator B.V. Manjunath, Chutuku Sahitya Parishat President Dr.M.G.R. Urs, Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya, former MUDA Chairman Yashaswi S. Somashekar and others were present.