The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today attended the 517th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda in Bengaluru and paid rich tributes to the founder of Bengaluru, describing him as a visionary administrator, city builder, environmentalist and social reformer whose ideals remain relevant even today.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said Sri Kempegowda was remembered not merely as a ruler but as a leader who governed with a vision for the welfare of the people. He noted that Kempegowda envisioned an inclusive city where farmers, traders, artisans, scholars and people of different faiths could live and prosper together, adding that present-day Bengaluru truly reflects that vision as a “Mini Bharat.”
Highlighting Kempegowda’s remarkable foresight, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said he laid the foundations of planned urban development through well-designed markets, neighbourhoods, water systems and public spaces.
He observed that Kempegowda’s interconnected network of lakes and water channels, coupled with large-scale tree plantation, demonstrated India’s age-old wisdom of sustainable development and offers valuable lessons for addressing present-day challenges such as water scarcity and climate change.
The Vice-President also lauded Kempegowda’s commitment to social reform, cultural harmony and human dignity. He said that while deeply rooted in Kannada culture, Kempegowda embraced linguistic and cultural diversity and believed that a great city must nurture education, culture and ethical values.
Noting that Bengaluru has emerged as India’s technology and innovation capital, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said its success rests on the strong foundations laid by Kempegowda nearly five centuries ago. He added that Kempegowda’s ideals of long-term planning, sustainability and institution-building continue to guide India’s journey towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Calling upon the youth to draw inspiration from Kempegowda’s life, the Vice-President urged them to contribute meaningfully to society and nation-building. He also stressed the importance of water conservation and advocated interlinking of rivers to ensure optimal utilisation of water resources for the benefit of farmers across the country.
Among those present on the occasion were the Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot; Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy; Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna; Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Shri R. Ashoka; former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and MLA, Dr. C. N. Ashwath Narayan; Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji; President of the Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda Foundation, Prof. M. Krishnegowda; and Shri Basavamurthy Madara Chennaiah Swamiji.