Infosys Foundation Chief to inaugurate 10-day celebrations

MYSURU: Dasara is a reflection of Kannadiga culture and must be celebrated in a simple but joyous manner, Infosys Foundation chief Sudha Murty said on Tuesday as she arrived here to inaugurate the festivities. “I never expected this honour. It is like a student securing first rank in an examination,” she said, dedicating the honour to all women achievers.


Mysuru DC Abhiram G Shankar and other senior officers of the district administration received Murty at the airport. She was accompanied by her husband NR Narayana Murthy.

Sudha will inaugurate the 10-day Dasara celebrations at Chamundi hills on Wednesday in the auspicious Tula lagnam, between 7.05am and 7.35am. She will be the first woman to inaugurate the celebrations.



“I am indebted to Kannadigas for giving me this opportunity. For several births, I will be indebted,” she told reporters at the airport. “Dasara is different from festivals like Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc. It is the Naada Habba. It is a symbol of the culture of our state. It has its roots in history. This festival is the reflection of our culture. Everyone must celebrate this festival with happiness. We need to continue the celebrations for generations. We need to include Dasara celebrations in our textbooks to ensure our children continue this legacy.”



Referring to the low-key celebrations in neighbouring Madikeri and other places ravaged by floods and landslides, she said there is a difference between celebrating a festival in a simple way and in a joyous manner. “Being simple is the way of life. Happiness lies in simplicity. If we spend more money, it doesn’t mean that we celebrated it in a grand way. We need to celebrate the festival in a simple manner,” she said. “In our families, among 4-5 kids, if one falls ill, naturally we all feel sad. All will join hands and support. Similarly, we need to support flood victims also.”

Sudha said she would be witnessing Dasara celebrations after 59 years. “My first Dasara was in 1959 when Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar participated in the Jamboo Savari. I was eight-and-a-half years old. After that, I am witnessing the festival now for the first time,” she said.

Abhiram G Shankar said preparations are complete for the inauguration at Chamundi hills. “I held a review meeting on Tuesday morning. Everything is ready for Wednesday’s events,” he said.

CM to give Sangeet Vidwan awards

Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, higher education minister GT Devegowda, tourism minister SR Mahesh, primary and secondary education minister N Mahesh, Kannada and culture minister Jayamala will be present for the inaugural event. In the evening, the CM will inaugurate cultural events in front of the palace. He will also give away the Sangeet Vidwan awards. Deputy CM G Parameshwara, Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar and other dignitaries will be chief guests.