Dr B Thomas (Special correspondent)
Nadaprabhu Kempegowda’s statue would be installed in front of Vidhana Soudha by next year, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a function to celebrate the 513th birth anniversary of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda and present the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda International Award.
Kempegowda earned the title of ‘Nadaprabhu’ for his ideals in life.
He has contributed to the life of everyone through his contributions for the state.He was a leader with a long term vision, Bommai said.
Referring to rapid growth of Bengaluru,Bommai said,about 5000 new vehicles are hitting the road every day in the city.
The number of vehicles in the city has overtaken the population of the city.The city has grown upto 30-40kms from its core in all directions.
Providing basic amenities like power and water at this pace is a daunting task.We are working on plans with a vision for the next 40 years to improve the transport basic infrastructure and development of satellite towns,Bommai said.
Development in all 4 directions
Bengaluru is home to more than 400 R & D centres, about 400 of the Fortune 500 companies have their presence in the city.
About 43% of the country’s FDI is flowing to Karnataka and Bengaluru.
The city needs to be developed without losing its native character.
Benaguluru should be developed in all 4 directions, that was the vision of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda.
The State government is working with the same spirit for development of Bengaluru, Bommai said.
SM Krishna’s vision
Lauding former Chief Minister SM Krishna’s contribution for development of Bengaluru, Bommai said,the credit for making Bengaluru a global IT hub should go to Krishna.
He wanted to make Bengaluru another Singapore. It could have been realised if sincere, concerted efforts were made.
We need to work with long term vision and commitment for development of the city,” Bommai said.
The Nadaprabhu Kempegowda statue at the Bengaluru International Airport is almost certain to be unveiled along with the inauguration of Terminal-2 of the airport.
We are keen to get it unveiled by Prime Minister Modi. The state government has already released Rs.85 cr for the statue works and another Rs.23 cr has been granted for beautification works around the statue.
It includes works to showcase the history and contributions of Kempegowda.
When the works are completed the Bengaluru airport would become the best airport in the country and Kempegowda’s name will get a glorious, permanent place in history,Bommai said.
A project to showcase the life and history of Kempegowda is being implemented at a cost of Rs.50 cr,another Rs.50 cr has been granted for setting up Kempegowda Studies Centre in Bengaluru University, the Vokkaliga Development Corporation has been provided a grant of Rs.150 cr, Bommai said.
Kempegowda belongs to the entire state and the state would be developed in accordance with his vision.We will build New India from New Karnataka,” Bommai said.
