Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar honored the 517th Kempegowda Jayanti by paying respects to the ‘Statue of Prosperity’ near Bengaluru International Airport and revealed plans to plant 15 lakh saplings in Bengaluru in tribute to the city’s founder. This initiative mirrors Kempegowda’s vision for sustainable urban development and environmental preservation. The Chief Minister also commemorated Nadaprabhu Kempegowda at Devanahalli and visited the adjacent theme park.
Shivakumar, addressing the audience, extended Kempegowda Jayanti wishes and emphasized the enduring influence of the visionary leader on Bengaluru’s progress. Programs aligned with Kempegowda’s principles have been organized, including a tree planting campaign, a marathon, and a development project for Kempegowda Fort costing Rs 100 crore. The government is acquiring land near Kempegowda’s memorial and enhancing visitor facilities near the airport to showcase Kempegowda’s legacy.
The government’s initiatives include plans for a Kempegowda Bhavan, a Town Planning College, and improving visibility of the 108-foot statue near the airport. Kempegowda Jayanti will now be celebrated across all Bengaluru constituencies over the next 28 years. With Bengaluru’s burgeoning population and vehicle numbers, the government aims to expand the Metro network to 500 kilometers in two years and provide Metro connectivity to the airport within a year.
