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India Gazette
an hour ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
K'taka: DK Shivakumar pays tribute to Kempegowda, plans memorial on birth anniversary
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 27 (ANI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday marked the birth anniversary of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda by garlanding his statue and reaffirming the state government's commitment to preserving the legacy of the city's founding father. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah was also present. Addressing the gathering, Shivakumar announced plans for a grand memorial, stating, 'This is a very special occasion. We have allotted five acres through the Kempegowda Development Authority. We ourselves established this authority.' Nadaprabhu Kempegowda was a chieftain under the Vijayanagara Empire in early-modern India. He added, 'We ourselves began the celebration of the Jayanthi (birth anniversary). We are the ones who gave the land. We are now laying the foundation stone with the intention of constructing a grand building for it.' He further noted that earlier in the day, he, along with Ministers Krishna Byre Gowda, Muniyappa, and others, offered floral tributes near Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. Regarding Minister Rajnath Singh's statement about a 'revolution in the government' after September, he said, 'I am not aware of this matter. I will speak to him and let you know afterwards. In any case, you should ask him directly.' Meanwhile, speaking to the media at the Vidhana Soudha on Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, 'Kempegowda is an efficient and far-sighted administrator. He is the builder of modern Bangalore. Today, Kempegowda's 516th birth anniversary is being celebrated in collaboration with the government, Kempegowda Development Authority and BBMP. During 2013-18, our government discussed with Nirmala Nanda Swamiji and found out the date of birth, and since then, the government has been continuously celebrating Kempegowda Jayanti. If Bangalore is recognised internationally today, it was Kempegowda who laid the foundation for it.' He added, 'The government has done the work of commemorating him. Kempegowda, who built towers in four parts of Bangalore, understood what Bangalore should be like and built many towns, including Nagaratpet, Chikkapet, and Balepet, during his administration based on his profession.' The Chief Minister said that his administration is a model for all of us. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
'Please forgive us, Gowdre': Redditors discuss current state of Bengaluru on Kempegowda Jayanti
As Bengaluru marked the birth anniversary of its visionary founder, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, netizens took to Reddit to reflect on the city's transformation, from a laid-back garden town to a bustling tech metropolis. The occasion, Kempegowda Jayanti, became more than a commemoration; it sparked a candid conversation about what the city has gained, lost, and continues to grapple with. Nadaprabhu Kempegowda's Jayanti is celebrated on June 27(ANI/ PIB) Also Read - 'Non-veg eaters need not apply': Chennai man's rental post triggers debate on landlords' biases Often celebrated as the man who laid the foundation of modern Bengaluru, Kempegowda was praised in several posts for his foresight in urban planning. One user explained to newcomers, 'Kempegowda founded Bengaluru and envisioned a city with interconnected lakes, which prevented flooding and helped keep the city cool during summers.' But alongside admiration, there was a deep sense of nostalgia and regret. One of the most emotional posts read: 'Happy birthday Gowdre, please forgive us for the current state of Bengaluru.' The line struck a chord with many, opening the floodgates to a heartfelt discussion on how the city's rapid expansion has left long-time residents feeling alienated. Also Read - Bengaluru entrepreneur says he's often mistaken for a north Indian due to skin colour, Hindi: 'When I speak in Kannada…' A local user shared: 'As someone born and brought up in Bengaluru, I hate what the city has become. Others may like it, but for us locals, it's changed beyond recognition. There was a time when traffic was minimal, the weather was lovely — and we didn't even talk about it much, it was just normal. The city had people from different linguistic backgrounds even before the IT boom, but it wasn't this frustrating.' He went on to add a sobering concern about the city's future: 'If Bengaluru keeps expanding to the outskirts places like Ramanagara, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Dabaspet, and Magadi, what will be left of its core identity? I fear the population density will choke every part of the city.' Others chimed in with similar sentiments, recalling a Bengaluru of tree-lined roads, slower days, and a more cohesive cultural fabric, something they feel is being diluted in today's startup-driven, traffic-jammed urban sprawl. Interestingly, the post also attracted newcomers to the city who admitted they weren't familiar with Kempegowda and his legacy. 'New to Bangalore and trying to dive into Kannada history — who is this?' one asked. The thread soon turned into a mini history lesson, with users detailing how Kempegowda established the city's early layout, built lakes, and erected towers to demarcate the city's boundaries — markers that still exist today.
News18
10 hours ago
- Business
- News18
'Statue Of Prosperity' Stands Tall, But Kempegowda Theme Park Project Yet To Get Off The Ground
The Rs 22-crore component of the Rs 84-crore project in Bengaluru has stalled, and blame is being traded between the BJP and Congress The 108-foot Statue of Prosperity dedicated to Nadaprabhu Kempegowda stands tall near the Kempegowda International Airport. But nearly three years after its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, the theme park surrounding the statue remains incomplete. The Rs 22-crore component of the Rs 84-crore project has stalled, and blame is being traded. The BJP government, which conceptualised and swiftly executed the statue's construction within seven months, has accused the Congress-led state government of delaying the project. BJP leaders claim that although funds were allocated to develop the theme park, they remain unused due to political motives. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, who holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio and is a Vokkaliga leader himself, dismissed the allegation. 'The BJP government erected the statue but didn't pay contractors once the work was completed. I don't want to dwell on that now. Our focus is on developing Bengaluru," he said. The statue, also called Pragatiya Pratime or the Statue of Prosperity, was sculpted by Padma Bhushan awardee Ram V Sutar, known for the Statue of Unity. It is made of 98 tonnes of bronze and 120 tonnes of steel. According to the World Book of Records, it is the tallest bronze statue of a city founder in the world. The idea for the statue was first proposed by former chief minister BS Yediyurappa after the BJP came to power and was implemented within months. As part of the tribute, mruthike (sacred soil) was collected from over 22,000 locations across Karnataka. Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, a chieftain under the Vijayanagara Empire who founded Bengaluru in 1537, is widely revered, especially by the Vokkaligas, Karnataka's second-largest and politically significant community. However, the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Foundation insists that the celebrations around him must emphasise inclusivity. 'Kempegowda may have been a Vokkaliga, but he built Bengaluru for everyone, including Telugu- and Tamil-speaking communities. He belongs to the whole city and represents development for all, not just one community. That's the perception we're trying to change," said Ashok KM Gowda of the foundation. 'They don't want to complete what was started by the BJP. The Congress fears that if they do, the people will know it was the BJP that deserves the credit." While the Congress government faces criticism for delays in completing the park, it has lined up elaborate celebrations to mark Kempegowda Jayanthi on June 27. The BBMP will organise a floral tribute at the statue near Kempegowda International Airport, followed by events at the BBMP office and the Vidhana Soudha. A symbolic lamp procession will be held from four historic city points—Lalbagh, Mehkri Circle, Kempambudhi Lake, and Ulsoor—converging at Sumanahalli Circle, where a new five-acre headquarters of the Kempegowda Heritage Authority will be constructed. Similar events are planned at historical sites in Magadi, Devanahalli, and Kunigal—all linked to Kempegowda's legacy. The Congress government said that the new Kempegowda Bhavan in Sumanahalli will reflect Bengaluru's rich cultural heritage. Meanwhile, questions linger over the stalled theme park—a key component of the original vision—that still lies in limbo. Former deputy CM and BJP leader Ashwath Narayan told News18 that while it is fine to celebrate Kempegowda, setting up the Kempegowda Development Authority, he also asked the Congress to complete the work that was pending around the Kempegowda statue. 'We welcome the work that is being done to commemorate Kempegowda, but at least have the courtesy to complete the work that was pending at the Kempegowda airport area. There is money earmarked; there are funds. Why not release it and finish it? They fear that the credit will go to the BJP, but Kempegowda was a ruler who embraced all," Narayan told News18. The statue's inauguration, held just ahead of the 2023 assembly elections, was also seen as a political move aimed at boosting BJP support in the Vokkaliga heartland of southern Karnataka, particularly after the party's 2019 KR Pete bypoll win in Mandya. But the election results didn't go as expected. And now, with the theme park unfinished, the spotlight is back on the incomplete legacy project, with politics once again at its centre. Location : Bengaluru, India, India First Published: June 27, 2025, 06:30 IST News politics 'Statue Of Prosperity' Stands Tall, But Kempegowda Theme Park Project Yet To Get Off The Ground
Time of India
15 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Kempegowda Jayanti: Cart-pulling oxen rekindle Bengaluru's long-forgotten tradition
1 2 Bengaluru: On the eve of Kempegowda Jayanti, something beautiful unfolded in Bengaluru: Revival of Bandi Devara Utsava — a bullock cart procession that reflects the agrarian traditions and cultural symbols passed on since the times of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru. On Thursday evening, decorated carts pulled by 10 pairs of adorned oxen were part of a procession that was taken out from the BBMP headquarters at NR Square to Kempegowda's statue in front of Vidhana Soudha through Cubbon Park. The spectacle, which was being taken out for the first time in the city, left motorists and onlookers spellbound. The event was organised by Bandi Devara Utsava Samiti to make the youngsters familiarise with the cultural heritage of the state, especially the Vokkaliga community in South Karnataka. The procession featured an Okala Deepa (a huge lamp made out of rice flour), followed by carts that carried sweets which were later distributed near Vidhana Soudha. Men and women, dressed in traditional attire, were part of the procession. Yakshagana, Veeragase, Patakunitha, Karadi Kunitha, Somanakunitha and Dollu Kunitha artistes added colour to the event. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru "We realised that even our children were unaware of who Kempegowda was. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo They know Silicon Valley, but not the visionary who laid the foundation of Bengaluru. It's time to show our generation the cultural tradition and history this tech city once had," said Satyashree VJG from Vokkaliga community. This symbolic march was not intended to disrupt traffic or create a spectacle. Instead, it was a moving classroom, weaving through the same paths where Bengalureans now rush in cabs, scroll through phones, and hustle between meetings. It reminded onlookers that behind every Metro pillar and glass building lies a foundation built by hands that once held ploughs. Neelakanta R Gowda, a participant, said: "We don't want to preach history; we want people to see and feel it. That's why we brought the Bandi back to the streets. It is important to teach our kids the significance of Kempegowda." Why bullock cart? Thalakaadu Chikkarange Gowda, who is researching on Kempegowda, said: "The bullock cart has prominence in Indian history, and it is considered a sacred material for farmers. The Vokaliga community also has a close connection with the cart. When it comes to Kempegowda, history says Ranabyregowdaru, with his family and six other brothers, migrated from the then Hoysala dynasty from Kanchi to their motherland Aavthi near Nandi Hills. Ranabyregowda is the forefather of Kempegowda, who formed Bengaluru. Hence, we have brought 10 pairs of bullock carts as a tribute to Kempegowda and his family."
Hans India
a day ago
- General
- Hans India
Bengaluru revives Bandi Devara festival
Bengaluru: witnessed the revival of a centuries-old tradition on Wednesday as the three-day Bandi Devara Utsava began with community participation and cultural pride. The festival, associated with the agrarian traditions of the Vokkaliga community, is being observed on a public platform after being confined to private family rituals for years. Organisers said the event aims to reconnect younger generations with ancestral customs and highlight the cultural symbols that have long shaped the identity of the Vokkaligas. The festival will culminate on Kempegowda Jayanthi, which commemorates the birth anniversary of the city's founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda. Jayaram Raipura, a senior IRS officer and honorary president of the festival committee, described the event as more than just a celebration. 'This is a cultural movement. What was once an individual household ritual is now a unifying public celebration. Kempegowda's people-centric legacy continues to inspire us,' he said. The bullock cart, central to the Bandi Devara tradition, took symbolic centre stage. Recalling an incident where an elderly woman refused to donate her family's cart due to its sacred significance, Raipura said, 'It's more than transport. It's a cultural heirloom that speaks to our history.' Plans are in the works to establish a museum dedicated to Vokkaliga heritage, where bullock carts will be a key feature. Dr. Talakadu Chikkarangegowda, festival committee president, said the inaugural day featured the 'Sihi Hanchuva' programme, with traditional sweet distribution scheduled during the procession on Thursday. The president of the Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha, B. Kenchappagowda, urged the community to embrace the festival with renewed enthusiasm. 'This is about preserving and honouring our cultural roots. We must continue the Bandi Devara festival with greater grandeur each year,' he said. On Thursday, the formal inauguration will be held in front of the BBMP head office, followed by a procession of 12 decorated bullock carts. The route will pass through Hudson Circle, the Central Library, the High Court, and Gopal Gowda Circle, before concluding at the Kempegowda statue near Vidhana Soudha, where rituals and Arati will be performed.
